Mangaluru: Fearless journalism is the heartbeat of the media, and without it, journalism becomes meaningless, said Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy. He was speaking after presenting the Brand Mangaluru Award to journalist Vijay Kotian during a felicitation ceremony organized by the Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists’ Association at the Mangaluru Press Club on Wednesday.

Citing the example of Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, Reddy emphasized that India, too, has courageous journalists. “When your work is driven by genuine intent, courage naturally follows. There is no need to fear anything when you stand by the truth,” he advised the journalists.

Referring to the Rwandan genocide, Reddy said that after widespread violence and division between communities, it was the local radio and media that began highlighting positive developments. Gradually, mistrust between communities faded, and perpetrators were isolated. "Such healing is possible here too," he noted. “But for that, we need courage and commitment.”

He stressed that precision is more important than speed in journalism. “Instead of rushing to report and possibly enabling further injustice, journalists must focus on accuracy. In times of crisis, upholding the truth is more important than merely maintaining societal balance,” he said.

"One cannot equate the victim with the accused under the guise of neutrality. Writing the truth may bring trouble, but that should not lead to fear. If empathy is embedded in writing, no harm will come to the journalist. When we write with a clear conscience, no difficulty will seem insurmountable, and society will gradually heal."

Reddy described journalism as a source of light. “Just as light dispels darkness, journalism must illuminate society. If journalists fail to channel this power, the darkness will persist. When this happens, 98% of people continue to suffer at the hands of just 2%,” he warned.

Calling for "conscious reporting and compassionate journalism," he said, “No matter the obstacles, our ultimate goal should be lasting peace. When we look back, we should be able to see that it was journalists who contributed to peace. That should be our guiding principle.”

The event was attended by Khader Shah, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Information and Public Relations, and Ramakrishna R., President of the Patrika Bhavan Trust. Press Club President P.B. Harish Rai spoke about the awardee, while Srinivas Indaje, President of the Working Journalists' Association, welcomed the gathering. Pushparaj B.N. compered the event, and General Secretary Jitendra Kundeshwar proposed the vote of thanks.