Media is essential to uphold the freedom of expression: TR Suresh

Mangaluru, 06 Jan 2019 [Fik/News Sources]: In Democracy, media is essential to uphold the freedom of expression, opined police commissioner TR Suresh.

He was speaking at a felicitation programme jointly organised by the Mangaluru Press Club, DK District Union of Working Journalists and Press Bhavan Trust to felicitate Mahalinga Naik at the Urwa Church Hall here on Sunday.

Police commissioner appreciated the media persons for recognizing the achievements of a farmer and extending him moral support. "Felicitating this farmer (Mahalinga Naik) is a great programme," he said.

Solaced after drinking water at waterless place: Press Club Award Winner Amai Malinga Naik

Speaking after receiving the Press Club Award of 2018, Progressive farmer Amai Mahalinga Naika said, "People mocked me when I began to dig the suranga. But now, I feel solace when I see people coming to that waterless area getting drinking water," he said.

"Landlord Mahabala Bhat had gifted me 2 acres of barren land. Even after digging three surangas, water had remained elusive. People mocked me. But I did not stop. I resumed digging. Finally got water. Then I started growing paddy. Later I grew areca nut palms, coconut trees, cashew trees, banana saplings, and pepper vines," he added.