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‘As Journalists, Ask the Right Questions’: Sowmya Reddy (MLA)

‘Young journalists must report on social issues, ask the right questions and make a difference.’



Soumya Reddy (MLA) addressing students at the National School of Journalism

By NSoJ Bureau

“Critical thinking is very important in our country. And, right from a young age, we need to start asking questions,” said Sowmya Reddy, an Indian politician from Karnataka and a member of the Indian National Congress, on 30th September at the National School of Journalism (NSoJ) here. Ms Reddy is also the NSoJ Governing Council Member (University Nominee) and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Jayanagar constituency.

She urged the students to use their journalistic skills to report on issues that affect local communities.

Active activism

“Sowmya Reddy is the only woman MLA to be elected in Bangalore this year,” said Timothy Franklyn, chairman, NSoJ. Mr Franklyn said that Ms Reddy has always been an activist at heart. She made news (in 2015) for hosting a vegan and environment-friendly wedding reception. Shas has also been active in such areas as human rights, animal rights, environmental issues, LGBT rights (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) and is also extremely passionate about enforcing the plastic ban in Karnataka. “Soumya has also won several awards including the Young Achievers Award - Akhila Karnataka Vipra Mahila Prashathana and a PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) award for her animal activism,” he said.

A chemical engineer by training, Ms Reddy has a Masters in Environmental Technology from New York.

So, why did Ms Reddy decided to enter politics? Her father Ramalinga Reddy, a former state Home Minister, is a veteran politician himself.  Meaning, politics is in her blood.  Ms Reddy is an activist and interested in animal welfare, environmental protection and policy advocacy. “When I came back to India after my Master's Degree, I realised that I want to give back to my country, my community and the place I grew up, Bangalore,” she said.

Just as she chose politics to give back to the community, Ms Reddy said, student journalists, have a lot of responsibility on their hands. “This is especially true right now, not just in our own country but throughout the world. After all, Media and Journalism are pillars of our democracy.

“As student journalists, you are supposed to be neutral, check facts, and truths. But, you are not just a mirror of society, you are also a ‘watchdog’ -- that is very rare unfortunately in present-day media,” she stressed.  She quizzed the students about their knowledge of the local government. “What is the local corporator’s responsibility? What should your local MLA be doing? Do you guys know,” she asked the students.

Bangalore’s waste problem

Ms Reddy highlighted what she has done in Jayanagar and stressed that change is possible only when everyone is involved. “Bangalore has 198 BBMP wards and solid waste management is a huge problem around the city. In the past 10- 15 years, there has been a huge boom in migration, because of the ITBT (Information Technology & Bio-Technology) sector. But infrastructure has not grown at the same rate. Hence, this has taken a huge toll on everything including, transportation, garbage collection and disposal, other basic services. Ms Reddy pointed out that in December 2017; the High Court had ordered mandatory garbage segregation in the city. “The amount of waste generated every day by Bangalore city is 6000 tons. “No matter where you stay, you need to hold your health inspector, corporators, and MLA to account.” Only when you keep tabs on what is happening end-to-end, will there be change, she said.

“Your duty as student journalists is to hold your elected officials accountable. Get hold of your local MLA. Find out if there is segregation of garbage or if the ban on plastic is being enforced in your area. Highlight ward-level issues so that we can find solutions together,” she added.


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