Madikeri: Minister for Science and Technology and Kodagu district in-charge Ramachandra Gowda on Sunday promised that he would make sincere efforts to provide rail link to Kodagu, up to Kushalnagar, and take steps to establish a mini airport in Kushalnagar.

He was addressing a gathering at the Cauvery Kalakshetra after honouring distinguished persons, including former Minister M.C. Nanaiah, on the occasion of the golden jubilee celebrations of "Shakti", a local Kannada daily.

Mr. Gowda said that he would hold discussions with Railway Minister Lalu Prasad in New Delhi next week in this regard. Kodagu Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav would accompany him.

He said that efforts would be made to establish a mini airport in Kushalnagar. It would also cut down the travelling time from other places to Kodagu. Land had been identified in Kushalnagar for the purpose, he said. The drinking water problem in Madikeri would come up before the Cabinet soon, Mr. Gowda said. To a plea made by Associate Editor of "Shakti" B.G. Anantashayana, the Minister said he would speak to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the Finance Minister B.. Yediyurappa to release Rs. 1 crore for the construction of a new "Kalakshetra" by demolishing the present one.

Mr. Gowda called upon journalists to present facts objectively. Noted television personality T.N.Seetaram, who inaugurated the programmes related to the golden jubilee, regretted the bad effects of certain programmes being shown on television. Those involved should make efforts to portray the culture and sentiments of the country instead of presenting outlandish information, he said.

Newspapers had to play the role of the Opposition and correct the ills of the parties in power, Mr. Seetaram said. He emphasised the role of small newspapers, saying they played a major role in reflecting truth and winning the trust of people. Mr. Seetaram had a word of caution on the effects globalisation could have on small newspapers. He lauded "Shakti" which had withstood various pressures to stand aloft in the last 50 years. B.A. Hasanabba, MLC, recalled his association with "Shakti" in the last four decades as a writer.

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