President to journalists: Be mouthpiece of people
Write in such a way that your viewpoint is shared by a majority of people, says Pranab Mukherjee.
Kolkata: President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday urged journalists to present news in such a manner that people believe their own voice was being represented. “Your credibility will increase once your writing helps in developing public opinion. So write in such a way that your viewpoint is shared by a majority of people,” Mr Mukherjee said, addressing the inaugural ceremony of bicentenary celebrations of the publication of a Bengali-language newspaper organised by the press club Kolkata.
Stating that media, newspaper and politics had an integral relationship like that of fish and water, he said there should be a difference of opinions in the democratic system that prevails in the country. “There should be different opinions from different perspectives and a coalition of such opinions will help in the progress of society. A society that encourages more free discussion, evolves the most,” he said.
Talking about the new media and its place among young minds, he said, “Electronic and social media are the new influencers and their impact cannot be overlooked. Internet is one of the best inventions that has completely changed thoughts and outlooks. People would now prefer to look up the Internet for a faster reference or data collection rather than go through books,” he added.