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CAAM observed its fifth anniversary meaningfully at ‘Grama Chethana’, Surashettikoppa by giving away state level farm journalism awards and organizing ‘Farm Book Fest’. Kannada Book Authority Chairman Prof. S.G. Siddaramiah who was the chief guest gave away the awards.

Logo of the book festival

The Centre has been presenting state level farm journalism awards since last five years to encourage farmer friendly journalism in Kannada. In practicing farmer category Mr. Subrahmanya M. Hegde’s article titled ‘Adike Thota – Beruhulagala Kaatadinda Rakshane’ (Method to protect Areca farm from Rootgrub disease) and in the general category, Ms. V. Gayathri’s exhaustive feature with the theme ‘Savayava Besaayadalli Raitare Namma Gurugalu’ (Farmers are the teachers in organic farming) were chosen for the award. The awards carry a cash prize of Rs.2000 each besides a citation and a parisara shilpa. Parisara shilpa was designed by known artist Mr. M.S. Murthy. Awards were sponsored by CAAM’s well-wisher, progressive farmer from Shimoga, Mr. Erehalli Hanumanthappa.

After presenting the award, Prof. S.G. Siddaramaiah said, ‘Knowledge based on experience and applicable in the present world is the need of the hour. Efforts should be made to discover and practice native wisdom which is available in our villages. Media can play a vital role in this regard.’

He observed that present trend in agriculture is destructive. He said, ‘Farming needs complete involvement. Only those who put constant efforts and enjoy the work become successful farmers. Farmers are falling prey to multinational companies in the name of high yield and are using harmful chemicals, thus reducing earth’s fertility. Organic farming is the answer to the crisis the farming community is facing across the country. Even universities should understand this and design their courses according to present day needs.’

Farm books released

As part of the programme he released two books, ‘Netti Ragi’ and ‘Savayava Chittaara’ authored by development journalists Mallikarjuna Hosapalya and Ganadhalu Srikantha respectively. Mr. Mallikarjuna Hosapalya’s book ‘Netti Ragi’ is an extension of his article ‘Nettiragi Paddhati: Adhika iluvari needuva vidhana’(Explaining a method of ragi cultivation to get more yield). The article was chosen for CAAM’s farm journalism award in the year 2004.

‘Savayava Chittara’ is a compilation of articles written by Mr. Ganadhalu Srikantha on organic farming and related topics. Releasing the books, Prof. Siddaramaiah analysed the books and appreciated the efforts put forward by the authors in bringing out such useful books.

Speaking earlier on the occasion, known journalist and CAAM team member ‘Shree’ Padre felt that farm journalism has grown effectively to understand the troubles and challenges posed by modern technology. He pressed on the need for media to work constructively and form a link problems and solutions towards forming a healthy society. He said that farm journalism has slowly started responding to farmer’s requirements.

Mr. Padre reflected upon CAAM’s activities in the last five years and said that the centre is not only providing an opportunity for farm journalists to understand the concept better but has also become a forum for environment friendly farmers.

CAAM fellows

Six candidates who successfully completed second batch of farm journalism diploma course conducted by CAAM were honoured as CAAM fellows. Dr. H.K. Basavaraju, was selected as the ‘best candidate’ of the year considering his overall performance. Other fellows are Mr. Ravishankar H.G., Ms. Shailaja Bellankimath, Ms. Pushpa Kammar, Mr. Siddarame Gowda and Mr. K. Kumar. CAAM fellows shared their experiences during the course, on the occasion.

After giving away certificates to CAAM fellows, writer and CAAM team member Addoor Krishna Rao advised the upcoming writers to make their write-ups clear, simple and reader friendly. He said, ‘Media persons should have a control over their writing tendency. They should study and understand the subjects and write based on facts.’

‘It is important for us to grow from within and only then our writing will improve. Our performance as writers depends on expansion of our knowledge and enhancement of our personality,’ he added.

A three-day contact programme was also arranged from December, 16 -18 at ‘Gram Chethana’ for the third batch of diploma candidates. This year there are 19 diploma aspirants. ‘Shree’ Padre, Dr. Shivaram Pailoor, Mr. Addoor Krishna Rao, Mr. Poornaprajna Belur, Dr. Prakash Bhat, Mr. Mallikarjuna Hosapalya, Mr. Anandatheertha Pyati, Mr. Ganadhalu Srikantha and Mr. G. Krishnaprasad were the resource persons. During the course, candidates were given both theoretical and practical training on farm and rural journalism.

Visual Revolution

On 17th evening, a programme was arranged to understand the significance of visual art in life, particularly children. The discussion was coordinated in association with ‘Bhoomi’, an artists’ forum initiated by known Mr. M.S. Murthy. In the session Mr. Murthy reflected upon understanding a child’s mind through his/her art and its importance in the growing children. During the programme, he conversed with parents from Surashettikoppa and neighbouring villages

Entire programme was organised under the auspices of BAIF Institute for Rural Development, Karnataka and Sarvodaya Mahasangha, Surashettikoppa.