New Delhi, March 27 Vice President C P Radhakrishnan on Friday said that discussion, debate, and even dissent should lead to decision-making in the interest of the nation, rather than disruptions.
Addressing the RNG Excellence in Journalism Awards here, organized by The Indian Express, Radhakrishnan also noted that in the name of neutrality, opposing statements are published side by side. But both cannot be true, and only the truth should be published.
His remarks that dissent and debate, and not disruptions, should be the norm assume significance, as the ongoing Budget session of Parliament has seen frequent adjournments due to disruptions caused by the opposition members over a range of issues.
As the vice president, Radhakrishnan is also the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
He underlined that if democracy has to grow, it has to accept the "right" suggestions of everyone.
Radhakrishnan also asserted that inclusive development means that even the remotest region of the country is not left out.
"That is real development," he said.
He also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US president Abraham Lincoln hold a special place in his heart for their efforts to uplift the downtrodden.
Radhakrishnan also recalled the prime minister’s emphasis on shedding colonial mindsets and noted that media institutions like The Indian Express have a key role in presenting global and national developments from an Indian perspective, rooted in the country’s civilisational ethos.
The vice president emphasised the importance of highlighting stories of progress, innovation, and grassroots transformation, stating that a balanced narrative must include both challenges and achievements.
Speaking on the occasion, Indian Express group chairman and managing director Vivek Goenka said that artificial intelligence will not replace journalists to sit across the source, who is apprehensive, and earn the trust.
He also said that journalists should speak in the language of the readers.