VP Radhakrishnan slams fake news, asks journalists to counter misinformation
New Delhi, Feb 27
Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday highlighted the growing challenge of fake news and misinformation, emphasising that journalists have a responsibility to uphold the truth.
Speaking at the 57th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi, the Vice-President called upon mass communication graduates to become agents of positive change in society.
He said journalism and mass communication will play a key role in the country's journey towards Viksit Bharat.
Stressing the power of the pen, the Vice-President said that opinion makers can lead the nation by shaping the right and positive opinion based purely on truth. "Write truth fearlessly, and you will make Viksit Bharat," he told the graduating students.
He urged them not to be driven by ratings or shortcuts, but by the correctness and integrity of their writing. Recalling his admiration for veteran journalist A.N. Sivaraman, former Editor of Dinamani, he said socially conscious and informative journalism can shape leaders and create leaders.
The Vice-President stated that while technology and platforms will continue to evolve, the core values of journalism, accuracy, fairness, and accountability, must remain non-negotiable.
He exhorted the graduating students to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth, stating, "You take the truth in your heart, and no one can beat you."
He expressed confidence that they would contribute meaningfully towards building an informed, resilient, and Viksit Bharat.
Students of different programmes, including postgraduate diploma programmes in Journalism (English, Hindi, Radio and TV, Digital Media, Odia, Urdu, Marathi, and Malayalam), Advertising and Public Relations across different campuses, who have passed their examinations in 2024-25, will be awarded diplomas, said a statement.
At the convocation ceremony, apart from the diplomas, 35 medals, including 23 carrying cash prizes, were awarded to toppers of each course from all six campuses.
The Vice-President also laid the foundation stone for the new academic block and hostel of IIMC, New Delhi.
He expressed hope that new facilities would strengthen digital labs, AI-based learning, data journalism, and modern studios, enabling students to drive innovation rather than merely follow it.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Absolutely right! But the challenge is also on us, the public. We need to be more discerning about what we share. Don't just forward anything that confirms your bias. Verify, then share.
The focus on AI-based learning and data journalism is spot on. The tools are changing, but the core mission remains the same: find the truth. Good to see IIMC investing in the future.
"Write truth fearlessly" – easier said than done in today's polarized environment. Hope the new graduates have the courage. We need journalists who are not afraid to ask tough questions to all sides.
A noble speech. But the reality is many media houses are driven by TRP and political leanings. The pressure on young journalists to conform is immense. The system needs to change too, not just the individuals.
Great to see the emphasis on regional languages too! Journalism in Odia, Urdu, Marathi, Malayalam... misinformation spreads fastest in local languages. Countering it there is crucial for a truly Viksit Bharat.
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