At the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards ceremony, President Droupadi Murmu honored the best of Indian journalism while paying tribute to the legacy of Ramnath Goenka, the founder of The Indian Express.
Goenka’s commitment to press freedom is legendary. His refusal to bow down during the Emergency, symbolized by the newspaper’s blank editorial, remains a powerful representation of a free press and the hope for democratic rights’ restoration.
The President emphasized how Goenka’s actions were driven by the values learned from India’s freedom movement, with many nationalist leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi, using journalism to raise public awareness.
Gandhi himself, a journalist, once declared, ‘The sole aim of journalism should be service’, a principle Goenka embodied throughout his career.
The Role Of Journalism In Democracy
President Murmu highlighted the essential role of free and fair journalism in sustaining democracy. A well-informed public is vital for a functioning democracy, and the press, often referred to as the Fourth Estate, plays a crucial part in this.
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With 22.4 million people relying on Indian Railways daily, the President drew a parallel to journalism, emphasizing its importance in connecting the nation and supporting economic growth.
The free press, Murmu said, serves as a backbone for India’s progress toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, reinforcing the need for media to provide accurate and accessible information to the masses.
Fostering Quality Journalism
Murmu praised the vibrant newsroom at The Indian Express, with a dedicated research team that ensures quality reporting.
Referencing the late Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Murmu reiterated the necessity of a research wing in newsrooms to maintain high standards of journalism.
However, she also pointed out the increasing challenge of news gathering and the need to encourage a culture of ground reporting.
The President stressed that sustaining journalism requires a viable business model, one that balances profitability and responsibility to readers.
The shift in business models over the years has impacted the way journalism is funded, and Murmu advocated for placing readers at the center of this model.
Despite the challenges, she urged all stakeholders to work together to raise awareness about the financial struggles of news platforms, noting that profitability and responsibility can, in fact, go hand in hand.
Combating Malicious Content And Post-Truth
In addressing content creation, the President voiced hope that soon the spread of malicious content and the post-truth era would subside.
Technological tools aimed at combating these issues are already in use, but proactive campaigns are necessary to educate citizens about the dangers of misinformation, particularly deepfakes and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
Murmu stressed the importance of educating young people to recognize bias and agendas in news reports, an essential skill for the future of the nation.
This development of critical thinking among the youth, she said, would contribute to the country’s democratic health.
The Role Of AI In Journalism
As AI continues to disrupt various sectors, including journalism, Murmu acknowledged its growing role in compiling and editing reports.
However, she assured the audience that while machines may assist journalists, they cannot replicate human empathy an essential element of storytelling.
Journalism based on human values, she asserted, will always remain relevant, and AI cannot replace the deep connections that human journalists foster in their work.
Honoring Excellence In Journalism
The President concluded by congratulating the winners of the Ramnath Goenka Awards.
These journalists exemplify human values, showcasing deep concern for their fellow citizens and those who cannot speak for themselves.
Murmu also applauded the inclusion of regional language journalism in the awards, acknowledging that it highlights the valuable work coming from regions often overlooked by mainstream media.
The Future Of Journalism In India
As the ceremony concluded, President Murmu expressed her gratitude for the ongoing contribution of Indian journalism to the country’s democracy.
She emphasized that the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards continue to set high standards, enriching the roots of India’s democratic framework.
She wished the recipients continued success in their pursuit of journalism that truly matters, urging all involved in the industry to keep pushing boundaries for a stronger, more informed India.
In her speech, President Murmu reaffirmed the importance of maintaining the integrity of journalism, stressing its role in shaping India’s future while honoring the legacy of Ramnath Goenka.
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