NEW DELHI — Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday invoked the powerful legacy of Ramnath Goenka to underline the crucial need for fearless, principled, and independent journalism in today’s era of heightened media influence and scrutiny.
Addressing the 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, organized by The Indian Express Group in New Delhi, the Vice President noted that the awards honor not just professional excellence, but the enduring spirit of courage associated with Goenka himself.
The Enduring Spirit of Resistance V-P Radhakrishnan recalled Goenka’s steadfast commitment to the truth during some of India’s most challenging historical periods, describing his actions as a guiding force for modern journalists. Key highlights of Goenka’s legacy discussed included:
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The Quit India Movement: His bold decision to completely shut down his newspaper in protest against severe British censorship.
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The Constituent Assembly: His vital contributions to framing early policies regarding press freedom and taxation.
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The Emergency: His legendary resistance, highlighted by the publication of a blank editorial—a powerful symbol of defiance for free expression—despite facing the imprisonment of his editors, financial ruin, and relentless harassment.
Media’s Role in a Modern Democracy Stressing the foundational role of the press in a functioning democracy, the Vice President drew a clear line between constructive journalism and mere sensationalism.
“Discussion, debate, and dissent must ultimately lead to decision-making in the national interest rather than disruption,” the Vice President stated.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s recent calls to shed colonial mindsets, Radhakrishnan urged contemporary media institutions to present issues from a distinctly Indian perspective, rooted deeply in the country’s civilisational ethos. He emphasized the pressing need for balanced storytelling, calling on the press to actively highlight stories of grassroots transformation, homegrown innovation, and progress alongside systemic challenges.
Concluding his address, the Vice President congratulated the award winners and commended the organizers for sustaining a vital tradition that recognizes and protects integrity in Indian journalism.
