Asserting that constructive journalism fosters collective responsibility, Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday stressed the importance of ensuring access to credible information, warning that the absence of reliable information could alienate young people and leave them vulnerable to undesirable influences.

“The positive activities taking place in society should be reported properly. Only then will youngsters receive the right information. Otherwise, they may lose interest and begin following the cockroach,” he said, in an apparent reference to the Cockroach Janata Party, a political movement believed to be gaining traction among sections of the youth.

Mr. Radhakrishnan was inaugurating the 140th anniversary celebrations of Deepika, the Malayalam daily and mouthpiece of the Catholic Church, in Kottayam.

Clarifying that he was not opposed to freedom of expression, the Vice-President questioned the sudden popularity of the outfit. “How do you assess a movement in just a single day? If it is good, you can understand it after a week, 10 days or even a month. Nobody knew about them, and all of a sudden it is coming up everywhere. That cannot deliver,” he said.

The Vice-President noted that newspapers become powerful agents of social change when they highlight compassion, scientific progress, community service, environmental protection, and human achievement. “We should not perceive politics in everything. Instead, we should focus on development. Journalism can play a vital role in this regard,” he said.

At the same time, he pointed to challenges confronting the media, including misinformation, declining public trust, commercialisation etc. Mr. Radhakrishnan also presented the Deepika Excellence Awards to individuals who have made notable contributions in different fields.

Importance of free press

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan underscored the importance of a critical and independent media. Expressing concern over India’s ranking of 157 in the World Press Freedom Index, he said a vibrant democracy required a free press capable of holding those in power accountable.

Mr. Satheesan also commended Deepika for its editorials on issues affecting farmers and ordinary citizens and said efforts would be made to address concerns raised through such interventions.

Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presided over the function. Others who spoke included Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MP K. Francis George, Water Resources Minister Mons Joseph and Kottayam Archbishop Mar Mathew Moolakkatt.