SURAT, May 17: Noted Journalist and Rajya Sabha MP Kuldip Nayar was given the C K Pitawala National Award by noted industrialist and social worker C K Pitawala for excellence in journalism here today.The award, instituted by the Surat Shaher Patrakar Kalyan Nidhi, carries Rs 25000, a shawl, a memento and a certificate.
The 11th Batuk Dixit award for `Best Reporting' was given to Ashwin Jethwa of Gujarati daily Sandesh. The award, which carries Rs 7000, a shawl and a certificate, was presented by Nayar.
Speaking at the function, Nayar said he became a journalist by chance. ``I wanted to become a lawyer. I completed my LLB during the country's partition. I came to India and began my career with an Urdu daily and later became the editor of UNI and The Indian Express.''Expressing satisfaction over his five-decade-old career, he said he had no regrets.
``If I am reborn I would love to become a journalist. Journalism is such a wonderful profession. It gives you immense freedom to write and speak what you think is right. And you can also influence public opinion'', he said, adding that he did not write a single word, which he did not believe.
But then today professional ethics and sense of mission are fast becoming a thing of the past, he regretted. The ``commodification'' of newspapers and more importance to marketing, which has taken its toll on newspapers, is really frustrating. A newspaper has become a commodity just like any tooth paste. A newspaper should not be sold like soap, he said, adding this trend is not good for journalism.
