Mathrubhumi daily, one of Kerala’s leading Malayalam newspapers, has completed 100 years of service to the country, reaffirming that the fourth pillar of democracy is robust and vigorous, according to Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur.
He made the remarks while speaking at the valedictory ceremony of Mathrubhumi’s centennial celebrations in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other dignitaries here.
The democratic character of India would always remain a truth, no matter how many incorrect viewpoints are presented openly from inside or outside, said the Minister here today, even as he warned against “Digital Colonialism”.
“The democratic essence of our wonderful nation will always remain a truth,” the minister said, using a proverb. Regardless of how many unfounded and unreasonable viewpoints are openly expressed from inside or beyond,
Although emerging technologies give a wonderful chance to tear down boundaries, the Minister warned that “a rising threat of ‘Digital Colonialism’ hides on platforms managed by algorithms developed overseas behind the walls of transparency.”
“We must be wary of accepting anything and everything in the name of innovation and modernity,” he said, adding that “foreign media, firms, and organizations with intrinsic anti-India bias selling erroneous facts must be discovered and called out.”
“In this case, the Indian media, which knows the ground realities, would have to play a critical role,” Thakur remarked.
Anurag Thakur said it is always reassuring and motivating to know that “when our Bharat is commemorating Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, i.e., 75 years of independence, there are media organizations like Mathrubhumi that have already completed 100 years of service to the country.”
“This underlines the reality that India’s fourth pillar is robust and vigorous,” he added to cheers.
The Union Minister urged the media fraternity to be cautious and refrain from giving space, “intentionally or unintentionally,” to such voices and narratives that have the potential to threaten India’s integrity and expressed hope that Mathrubhumi’s values and resolutions to raise awareness in the country will continue unabated.
“We are here to honor Mathrubhumi’s wonderful journalism; therefore, it is necessary that we reflect on the hurdles that are thrown in the way of free and fair media by people who speak a lot about democratic traditions but do very little to protect democratic traditions,” Thakur remarked.
“From Kerala to Kashmir, one of the many threads that bind the varied peoples of this magnificent country is their feeling that India is their homeland—their karmabhumi and punyabhumi.” The newspaper that Kesava Menon started is a testament to this unwavering conviction,” he remarked.
In a clear reference to the criticism leveled at India’s democracy and press freedom, Thakur stated, “These days, the word “democracy” is heard frequently in public discourse; a noble principle of governance has been reduced to a fashion statement by those who have constantly tried to weaken democracy and its institutions in our country.” “Violators are increasingly posing as victims,” he claimed.
“We must remember that, unlike in Western nations, democracy is an intrinsic and indestructible element of our civilization’s past. Sabhas and samitis existed in what is now known as Kerala, just as they did in other sections of Bharat Varsha. Democracy existed then, it exists today, and it will continue to exist in the future,” he remarked.
Thakur said that “such heinous attacks damage democracy and its institutions” in reference to the recent attack and ransacking of the offices and studios of a leading news outfit in Kerala.
In conclusion, Shri Anurag Thakur said that governments, like the media, have obligations. “I urge journalists to conduct their jobs honestly and without fear or favor.” Mathrubhumi has set extremely high expectations. Others must endeavor to meet, if not exceed, those expectations,” he continued.
The initiative was launched by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Anurag Thakur also produced a memento commemorating Mathrubhumi’s centennial festivities as part of the ceremony. State Ministers K Rajan and P Rajeev attended the occasion, as did Opposition Leader VD Satheesan, Mathrubhumi Chairman and Managing Editor PV Chandran, Managing Director MV Shreyams Kumar, and other elected representatives.
