New Delhi: Vice-President Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar has voiced concerns over the media’s tendency to focus disproportionately on incidents of limited impact while neglecting substantive and long-term initiatives. Addressing students at the Parliament, led by a Hindi daily, Shri Dhankhar called for introspection within the media and urged them to acknowledge India’s growth story.
Lamenting the commercialization and manipulation of media for motivated narratives, the Vice-President acknowledged journalism’s crucial role in sustaining democracy. He emphasized the need for the media to transcend partisan views and refrain from aligning with political agendas or forces against national interests.
“It is time for soul searching. I appeal to the media in all humility and earnestness to be partners in growth. They can do this by highlighting good works and being critical of wrong situations and deficiencies,” Shri Dhankhar stated.
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Drawing parallels with the Constituent Assembly, where democratic ideals were revered and disruptions were unheard of, Shri Dhankhar expressed concern over the increasing trend of disruptions and sensationalism in parliamentary proceedings. “The Constituent Assembly was a temple of democracy, where every session contributed to the foundation of our nationhood without any disruptions or disturbances,” he remarked. He noted that disruptions have regrettably become political tools rather than exceptions.
The Vice-President highlighted concerns over the media’s tendency to glorify disruption, urging them to reassess their priorities in covering parliamentary proceedings. He stressed that when disruptions become headlines and disruptors are hailed as heroes, journalism fails in its duty to uphold democratic values.
Shri Dhankhar called on the media to uphold its responsibility in portraying an accurate image of India to the world. “People from outside cannot judge India. They do it from their own perspective. There are many people, less in the country and more outside, who are unable to digest our unexpected and unimaginable progress, that we are becoming a superpower,” he added.
He eloquently explored India’s profound cultural heritage spanning 5000 years and underscored the strength of its democratic institutions. Reflecting on recent elections, he emphasized the ease with which India transitions governments, showcasing the vibrancy of its electoral process. The Vice-President called for responsible journalism that addresses double standards and unethical conduct.
In his address, the Vice-President urged media outlets to balance their coverage by highlighting positive developments and growth stories alongside critical reporting. This balanced approach, he argued, would better serve the nation and contribute to its continued progress.
The Vice-President’s remarks come at a crucial time when the role of media in shaping public perception and fostering informed discourse is under intense scrutiny. His call for introspection and responsible journalism resonates with the need to nurture democratic values and support India’s journey towards becoming a global superpower.
