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Journalists should uphold Gandhian values: Ravi

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Considering the growing influence and significance of the Fourth Estate, journalists should work with more social commitment and responsibility, Union Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said here on Monday.

Distributing the awards and degrees at the 39th convocation of the Institute of Journalism of the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, Mr. Ravi said the Fourth Estate being an important arm of democracy has a significant role in society. It is a major deterrent to corruption and nepotism and makes public men more conscious about their responsibilities. Journalists should have a sound historical sense and strive to uphold Gandhian principles, which formed the foundation of society.

The influence of Gandhian philosophy is on the decline. Hence, the thrust should be on promoting such principles, culture and heritage of the nation, he said.

He said the evolution of visual media did not pose any challenge to newspapers. There is space for healthy co-existence for both. This shows the urge to read and know more. Mr. Ravi reminisced his brief stint as a journalist and said the best pursuits in journalism were the attempts to prepare statements as a KSU and Youth Congress leader. He also mentioned the advice and support given by veteran editors such as K. Sukumaran, K.C. John and such others during the formative period of his political career.

Institute director N.R.S. Babu welcomed. Club president K. Sreekantan presided. Institute coordinator S. Radhakrishnan spoke. Secretary B.S. Prasannan proposed a vote of thanks.

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