Editor K Sukumaran, pioneer of journalism in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: We pay homage to the memory of Editor K. Sukumaran, who continues to shine as a historical beacon for his hardline stance in upholding the ethos of journalism. On the 44th death anniversary of the editor, people from all walks of life, family members and Kerala Kaumudi employees paid floral tributes at his memorial on Thursday. The memorial meeting organised by the Kerala Kaumudi Non-Journalist Association at the Kerala Kaumudi premises in Pettah was inaugurated by Minister K.N. Balagopal.
Balagopal recalled how the founding editor of Kerala Kaumudi always gave extra care to filing honest news. BJP state president Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who delivered the keynote address, praised media as the basic pillar of society and recalled how the haloed editor made Kerala Kaumudi one of the basic pillars of Kerala. Rajeev said that Kerala Kaumudi is moving forward, espousing the values put forward by the founding editor.
“There is a growing trend in the media sector to create sensational news instead of honest news”, said UDF convener Adoor Prakash MP, who attended the event as the chief guest. He said the editor would not have accepted the sensational trend if he were alive today.
Kerala Kaumudi Non-Journalist Association General Secretary K.S. Sabu presided over the function. Rajadhani Group Chairman Dr. Biju Ramesh and Ratnakala Group Chairman Ratnakaran were honoured by Kerala Kaumudi Chief Editor Deepu Ravi with the Editor's Award for Excellence in the Industrial Sector. Among the children of union members, M.V. Vidya, daughter of Production Section Press Incharge Vijayan of Kollam Unit, who secured the highest marks in the SSLC examination, and V.K. Vishwajith, son of R. Viju Kumar of Thiruvananthapuram Unit Circulation, who secured the highest marks in the Plus Two examination, were given commemorative awards by Minister K.N. Balagopal. A memento and a cash award were given. Malayinkeezhu reporter T.S. Chandran received the Editor's Award for the best local reporter in Thiruvananthapuram district from Minister K.N. Balagopal. Association President V. Balagopal welcomed the gathering, and Working President S.R. Anilkumar proposed a vote of thanks.