Kerala : Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan stated at Kozhikode that the Dharma of the media is to convey to the people the facts sans any twist. They have to follow this principle when they report the happenings. They should avoid the pressures of politics and institutions. They should keep their calm and mental balance. Matters should not be twisted; they should not misguide the readers and viewers. Maharshi Narad said – “Always talk truth for the benefit of sarvabhootas”. Governor inaugurated the 71st anniversary of “Kesari“ Malayalam weekly and the Media Seminar at Kesari Bhavan, Kozhikode. He said even though Bharat is heading fast towards the position of Vishwa Guru, most of our media suffer from a colonial hangover.
Sanjayan of Mahabharata was the first live-on-the-scene reporter. He explained to Dhritharasthra, father of one of the two fighting factions, the happenings in the war field. Still, he did not try to appease the King by telling untruths or twisting or skipping the unpleasant news. We should realize that Sanjyan was not an individual but the embodiment of Dharma.
Governor added that impartial and independent journalism is the backbone of democracy under Bharatiya circumstances. But unfortunately, a section of the media gives in to the anti-national interests of some political parties and other groups. And some people create news for them, and they accept payment for it. It is a dangerous situation. But Kesari serves as a corrective force for such people. That is the beauty and kindness of Kesari.
Arif Mohammed Khan said that he is ready to resign as Governor if it is proved that he has interfered in any government policy or actions. At the same time, he repeated his allegation that Government has interfered in his duties which are defined in the Constitution unequivocally. But fortunately, the verdicts of the High Court and Supreme Court will pave the way for the regaining of universities’ autonomy. The judgments are silver lines of hope. He said he has not done anything new as Governor but has been salvaging the lost responsibilities.
Adv. P.K. Sreekumar, Managing Trustee of Hindustan Prakashan Trust, presided. T.P. Sreenivasan, renowned academician and former Ambassador, NIT Calicut Director Prof. Prasad Krishna and Prajnapravah national coordinator J. Nandakumar also spoke on occasion.
Governor offered Arathi before the idol of Goddess Saraswathi before the programme.
T.P. Sreenivasan inaugurated Mahatama Gandhi College Communications (MARCOM), an academic institution to train journalists. It was followed by a “Media Dharma of Contemporary Period” seminar. Prajna Pravah Coordinator J. Nandakumar and former Mathrubhumi Programme Head M.P. Surendran addressed the workshop. EIT Calicut Director Prof. Prasad Krishna presided. Kesari chief editor Dr N.R. Madhu delivered the introductory speech. Harikrishna Haridas cast a vote of thanks.
