New Delhi witnessed a profound address by India’s Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan at the 57th convocation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) on Friday. Extending heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, he highlighted the institute’s illustrious legacy spanning nearly six decades. IIMC has nurtured generations of journalists and communication professionals who have significantly shaped India’s democratic fabric and public discourse.
Reflecting on IIMC’s recent transition to a deemed university status in January 2024, the Vice President expressed unwavering confidence in its continued prominence as a leading mass communication hub. He commended the establishment of incubation centers on campus, designed to foster media innovation and entrepreneurship, signaling a forward-thinking approach to evolving industry demands.
Delving into the transformative shifts in media, Radhakrishnan pointed to the disruptive influence of artificial intelligence, data analytics, compelling storytelling techniques, and social platforms. These have revolutionized how stories are crafted and consumed. He emphasized the surging relevance of the AVGC sector—encompassing animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics—within the burgeoning creator economy. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, initiatives like the National AVGC-XR Mission and Centers of Excellence are poised to cultivate world-class talent and innovation.
Stressing the power of the pen, he urged communicators to forge opinions rooted in truth, thereby guiding the nation positively. ‘Write the truth fearlessly, and you will build a developed India,’ he told the graduates. He advised against chasing ratings or shortcuts, prioritizing authenticity and integrity in their work. Paying tribute to veteran journalist A.N. Shivraman, he noted how socially conscious journalism can mold leaders and birth new ones.
Addressing digital era pitfalls, the Vice President cautioned that while social media has amplified voices, it has also fueled misinformation and polarization, posing severe societal risks. Words carry consequences, images shape perceptions, and stories sway ideas, he observed. Citing Operation Sindoor, he underscored the dual battle: safeguarding national interests on the ground and combating digital falsehoods. Journalists must emerge as agents of positive change, boosting the morale of armed forces during national security operations.
With India’s economy booming, digital ecosystem expanding, and global stature rising, communicators hold a pivotal role in bridging divides and fostering informed citizenship. He reiterated his call for media outlets to spotlight stories of economic progress, innovation, and national achievements alongside challenges. Balanced journalism, he asserted, must illuminate successes as much as hurdles.
In his closing remarks, Radhakrishnan reminded that while technology and platforms evolve, journalism’s core tenets—accuracy, impartiality, and accountability—remain eternal. ‘Embrace truth in your heart, and no one can defeat you,’ he exhorted the graduates, confident they will contribute meaningfully to a vigilant, empowered, and developed India.