Senior Journalist Kosuri Amarnath who fought for rights of journos dies of COVID
By Newsmeter Network Published on 20 April 2021 12:30 PM GMT
Hyderabad: Veteran journalist Com. Kosuri Amarnath passed away on 20 April due to COVID-19. He was 69. Amarnath had been admitted to NIMS, Hyderabad, a few days ago with COVID. He breathed his last there. He is survived by his wife and son.
Amarnath was one of the leading figures in the journalists' union movement. In his 40 years of unionism, Amarnath made himself invaluable to the journalist movement with his insight into issues concerning the profession of journalism, rights and welfare of journalists, and freedom of press.
Known for his 'never accept defeat' attitude, Amarnath made his mark in the Press Council of India. He was a member of PCI for two terms, representing the Indian Journalists Union (IJU).
Heading a PCI committee on attacks against journalists, Amarnath extensively toured across the country and submitted a detailed report in which he made out a case for the necessity of a separate statute for the safety of working journalists.
Amarnath served Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) as its president for one term in the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh. He was IJU secretary for three terms.
Born in a large family in Mamuduru village of West Godavari district, Amarnath first started his career as a staff member of UPSC in Delhi. Ten years later he left that job and joined Andhra Bhoomi daily desk in Hyderabad as an editorial team member. He retired there in 2010 as news editor. Later, he worked in NSS as special correspondent and in Hans India as assistant editor.
Four years ago, Amarnath took up the editorship of Scribes News, a specialized magazine dedicated to the issues of journalists. He was editing the monthly magazine run by IJU till the last.
Chief Ministers of the two telugu condoled the death of the senior journalist. "His viewpoint during TV debates was highly appreciated by all, the Chief Minister said and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family members", said a message from the Chief Minister's office
