The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishna, today graced the 140th Foundation Anniversary celebrations of Deepika Malayalam Daily and presented the Deepika Excellence Awards at K.C. Mammen Mappillai Hall in Kottayam, Keralam. Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described the 140-year journey of Deepika as “a remarkable legacy of commitment, courage, credibility and public service.”
Reflecting on the challenges of establishing a newspaper in the late nineteenth century, he said that it required extraordinary determination and vision to start a publication 140 years ago at a time when access to education and communication was limited.
Highlighting the role of responsible journalism in a democracy, the Vice-President observed that political leadership is one of the most demanding fields of public life and that constructive criticism must remain fair and balanced. He stated that the true dharma of journalism lies in appreciating good work while fearlessly criticising wrongdoing whenever necessary.
The Vice-President underlined that newspapers carry a larger social responsibility beyond reporting events. He said that journalism must also highlight stories of hope, innovation, compassion and scientific progress, as such constructive journalism strengthens confidence among youth and motivates them towards nation-building.
The Vice-President said that editorials are the legitimate space for opinion in newspapers, while news reporting must remain objective and factual. He cautioned against the growing tendency to editorialise news reporting. He also appreciated Deepika for promoting social harmony, education, culture and constructive public discourse over generations and for enriching Keralam’s literary and cultural sphere.
Expressing concern over the changing media landscape, the Vice-President pointed to the growing challenge of misinformation, declining public trust, commercial pressures and the rapid transformation brought by digital platforms. He observed that people today are increasingly influenced by captions and headlines without engaging deeply with issues and debates.
Expressing confidence in the future of the institution, the Vice-President said that every challenge before the media also presents an opportunity and voiced hope that Deepika would continue to inspire young journalists while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Congratulating the management, staff, contributors, advertisers, distributors and readers of Deepika, the Vice-President wished the newspaper many more years of success, relevance and excellence in the service of society and the nation.
The Governor of Keralam, Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister of Keralam, Shri V. D. Satheesan, Speaker of the Keralam Legislative Assembly, Shri Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, former Governor of West Bengal, Shri C. V. Ananda Bose, Archbishop of Kottayam, Mar Mathew Moolakkatt, Chairman of Rashtra Deepika Limited, Shri Francis Cleetus, Managing Director Shri Michael Vettickatt, and Chief Editor Dr. George Kudilil were among those present on the occasion.