Journalism of social concerns necessary for dynamism of democracy
Bhopal. Describing media as 4th pillar of democracy, Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that media should be active to make democracy dynamic. He said that instead of journalism based on mysteries, thrill and suspense, it should be associated with social concerns. Media’s social campaigns create positive atmosphere. Shri Chouhan was addressing a function marking Naidunia Legislative Awards-2016 and 70th foundation day of Naidunia (Navdunia) here today.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Sitasaran Sharma, Union Steel and Mines Minister Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Shri Rajendra Singh conferred awards to MLA for discharging their duties in Vidhan Sabha excellently. Legislative Affairs Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra was conferred award of Best Minister. Awardee MLAs include Shri Ram Niwas Rawat, Smt. Sheela Tyagi, Dr. Govind Singh, Smt. Saraswati Singh, Shri Kalu Singh Thakur, Smt. Usha Choudhary, Shri Pratap Singh, Smt. Mamta Meena, Shri Bahadur Singh Chouhan and Smt. Jhuma Solanki. They were selected for excellence awards fro participation in discussions on Bills, bring maximum call attention motions and asking maximum questions.
Underlining role of media in independence movement of the country, the Chief Minister said that all political leaders made newspapers means to intensify movement and renaissance. Later, media also wages a successful war when India witnessed period of emergency during which efforts were made to crush media’s independence. This is the era of professionalism. Therefore, mature journalism is the need of the hour instead of journalism based on mysteries, thrill and suspense. Regarding public representatives, he said that they work hard day in and day out to live upto people’s expectations. Their work should be evaluated. The time has come when value based journalism with positive viewpoint should be promoted.
Vidhan Sabha Speaker Shri Sharma said that democracy cannot be strengthened until legislative, judiciary, executive and media are not strengthened. He said that these days media is most powerful since it has power of information. It should be kept in view of media does not suffer from absolute freedom and self-restrained should be exercised. Vidhan Sabha Deputy Speaker Shri Singh discussed positive role of media.
Union Minister Shri Tomar lauded initiative to felicitate MLAs for excellent legislative works saying that media should be accountable to society and democracy. Media is the mirror of society. Alertness towards democracy must be honoured.
Chairman of Dainik Jagran Group of newspapers Shri Mahendra Gupta said that media’s thinking about development has changed. Importance of has increased. Members of the cabinet and large number of intellectuals, distinguished citizens and media persons were present on the occasion.
