Media Has an Important Role to Play in Cleansing Public Life, Says President

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the 125th Anniversary celebrations of Malayala Manorama at a function at Kottayam today (March 16, 2013).

Speaking on the occasion, the President said the media has an important role to play in cleansing public life. However, to undertake this role the conduct of the media itself should be above board. It must be always kept in mind that ends and means are both important. The highest standards of ethics must be maintained at all times. Sensationalism should never become a substitute for objective assessment and truthful reporting. Gossip and speculation should not replace hard facts. Every effort should be made to ensure that political or commercial interests are not passed off as legitimate and independent opinion. Integrity and independence are two sides of the same coin and both must be equally important for media and for every one of us. There should be recognition that the media is accountable to its readers and viewers at large and through them to the entire nation.

The President released a commemorative stamp on completion of 125 years of Malayala Manorama on the occasion.

This release issued at 1850 hrs