Journalism gave direction to history: CM
Bhopal: Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that journalism has given direction to history. All major revolutions in the country and world have taken place as a result of powerful writings. In the present era itself, writings are basic elements of revolution. The Chief Minister was conferring honours for excellence and outstanding contribution in journalism at a grand function on the premises of CM House here today.
Intervening in the programme, the Chief Minister announced to change word “award” to “honour”, saying that journalism is a mission, therefore, honours and not awards should be bestowed for this.
The Chief Minister said that journalism has given direction to movements, be it French Revolution or India’s freedom movement. After Independence, journalism worked towards creation of wave for re-building of the country and awaken people about their rights during Emergency. He said that it is necessary for governments in democracy that truth and facts keeping coming to light. Healthy journalism has an important role to play in this. He said that healthy criticism is necessary since it reveals truth. Journalism keeps power echelons under check. He said that it should also be kept in view that professionalism should not harm mission of journalism. Whatever positive is happening in society must also be given coverage. Journalism in Madhya Pradesh has been factual and positive. Giving honour for journalism is a way to expresses respect and reverence to its practitioners.
Public Relations Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla said in his presidential address that good governance is vital to turn democracy into a boon. He said that positive journalism works as life-giver to good governance. Shri Shukla said that journalism has also played a significant role in taking out the state from category of sick states.
Founder of Hindi news channel India TV Shri Rajat Sharma said that Devi Saraswati dwells in the voice of Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Lauding art of dissemination of thoughts, he said that scenario of India will change if all Chief Ministers have the same verve for development as Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Reminiscing anecdotes associated with Madhya Pradesh, Editor-in-Chief of India Today Group Shri Shekhar Gupta said that state has progressed rapidly. The mainstream media must know and understand the state. He said that the state has witnessed unprecedented growth in agriculture. The mainstream media lacks understanding of Madhya Pradesh. He said that Madhya Pradesh is no more a sick state. He congratulated the Chief Minister for rapid development of the state.
At the outset, the Chief Minister remembered late Vidya Niwas Mishra, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Manikchandra Vajpayee and Satya Narayan Shrivastava in whose names these honours have been instituted. The Chief Minister also felicitated jury members including Shri Vijay Dutt Shridhar, Prof. B.K. Kuthiyala and Shri Girija Shankar.
Recipients of honour
Vidyaniwas Mishra National Journalism Honour for year 2011 was conferred to Shri Rajnath Singh Surya, Lucknow, Shri Asim Kumar Mitra, Kolkata 2012, Shri Dhirendra Nath Chakravarti, Assam 2013 and Shri Shekhar Gupta, Delhi for 2014.
Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi National Journalism honour was conferred to Shri Kailash Chandra Pant, Bhopal for 2011, Shri Mahesh Shrivastava, Bhopal 2012, Shri Shankar Sharan, Delhi 2013 and Shri Rajat Sharma, Delhi for year 2014.
Manikchandra Vajpayee National Journalism Honour was conferred to Shri Shyam Khosla, Delhi for 2011, Shri Baban Prasad Mishra, Raipur 2012, Shri Rajendra Sharma, Bhopal 2013 and Shri Baldev Bhai Sharma, Delhi for 2014.
Satya Narayan Shrivastava State-level Journalism Honour was conferred to Shri Sashindra Jaldhari, Indore for 2008, Shri Rajesh Sirothiya, Bhopal 2009, Shri Mrigendra Singh, Bhopal 2010, Shri Manish Dixit, Bhopal 2011, Shri Nitendra Sharma, Bhopal 2012, Shri Arun Chouhan, Bhopal 2013 and Shri Atul Tare, Gwalior for year 2014.
Commissioner Public Relations Shri S.K. Mishra proposed a vote of thanks.
Former CM Shri Kailash Joshi, Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Maya Singh, Minister of State for GAD Shri Lal Singh Arya, MLAs Shri Vishwas Sarang, Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Mayor Shri Alok Sharma, Chief Secretary Shri Anthony de Sa and large number of media personalities and family members of honoured journalists were present on the occasion.
