Governments alone could not protect FOE, says journalist and former MP Dr Sebastian Paul at Narad Jayanti celebrations

Kochi: Senior journalist and former Left Democratic Front (LDF) MP and MLA Dr Sebastian Paul said in Kochi that Governments alone could not protect freedom of expression. He spoke on “Media trends in the era of modern social media.” Vishwa Samvada Kendram organised the programme in connection with the Narad Jayanti celebrations. When the internet entered the media arena, his generation thought a new freedom horizon had been opened. Such a relief came from the rude experience of censorship during the Emergency regime.

But now, that assumption has been changed. Modern social media turned out to be a place where anyone can say anything; hence censorship came there. It appears to be a field where media dharma, culture, and duty are not applied. That is why regulations become inevitable. Narad Maharshi is an all-time example of exemplary media activities.

M V Benny Journalist and former general secretary of Samastha Kerala Sahitya Parishad, said modern social media opened the doors of a world sans secrets. Following the truth is the right and safe path. Dharmik’s life will prevail when people behave without reservations.

Dr Sebastian Paul presented the award to M V Benny for their total contribution towards cultural media activities.

Vishwa Samvada Kendram chairman M Rajasekhara Panicker said that Narad was the Rishi who reconciled the contradictions for the victory of Darma. Narad is the mind of God. He was the apt model of media dharma of past, present and future which accepted the media of interactions and discussions for the victory of the forces of goods in the universe.

Murali Parappuram delivered the Prof M P Manmadhan memorial speech. Murali said that Manmadhan was the real Gandhian who was discarded when the Gandhi-baiters wore the garbs of Gandhians.

KR Umakanthan presented the first MP Manmadhan Puraskar to Mathrubhumi senior reporter T J Sreejith.

Media student S Remya was awarded a consolation prize for the best essay on her experiences at Kanyakumari Youth Journalism Workshop. Samvada Kendra secretary M Satheesan and Treasurer P G Sajeev spoke on the occasion.