Media credibility lies solely within its own control, by being objective and not getting involved in politics – Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar at NDTV event.
NEW DELHI, Mar 23 (The CONNECT) – Media will emerge the nation’s conscience keeper if it takes care of its conscience, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today said.
“Media should be an agent to convey right perspectives to understand India rather than be a prey to orchestrated narratives seeking to taint and tarnish our image”, Dhankar said addressing the ‘NDTV Indian of the Year Awards 2023-2024 event in the national capital.
Cautioning against the politicization of media, VP pointed out, “media cannot be a registered recognized or unrecognized political party”. He said media should take all precautions so as not to become a battleground for partisan politics.
Recognizing the role of media as fourth pillar of democracy and its influence over social discourse, the Vice-President stressed upon the need for an independent and objective media.
He praised the work being done by the young journalists working in tier two and three cities and called for handholding them.
On the issues of media credibility and self-regulation, Dhankhar emphasised that media credibility “lies solely within its own control, by being objective and not getting involved in politics.”
Referring to the challenges of misinformation and fake news, Dhankhar underlined the responsibility of media to be a watchdog and curb such misinformation. “Informed public is spinal strength of democracy”, he added.
He referred to India’s constitutionally structured vibrant democracy with robust justice system, and noted “democratic Values optimally blossom and flourish with there being equality before law; accountable and transparent governance”.
Underlining the nation’s rich history as a pluralistic and democratic nation, Dhankhar stressed that “CAA does not deprive any Indian citizen of his or her citizenship”.
The recent steps by way of CAA are aimed at providing relief to persecuted religious minorities in neighbourhood without infringing upon the rights of any existing citizens.
Dhankhar expressed his pain over the failure of some sections to realise the soothing impact of steps like CAA guided by the values of secularism, equality, and justice enshrined in the Constitution.
“It is unfortunate that some failed to recognise the historical context and soothing impact from human rights perspectives to persecuted minorities in neighbourhood,” he said.
The VP appealed to all sections of industry to practice economic nationalism.
Tracing the journey of Indian economy from fragile five to big five Dhankhar, emphasised that “National mood is one of Hope and Possibility”. He further underscored the unprecedented economic rise, exponential infrastructural growth, and technological penetration in the country.
