Use media for social good: Venkaiah Naidu

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday cautioned against "unhealthy" competition in the media and called for using the power of media for the social good.

Naidu advised the media to exercise self-restraint while telecasting or publishing any news which will have a negative impact on the society.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the five-day workshop on capacity building of working Urdu journalists in Telangana and its neighbouring areas organized by Maulana Azad National Urdu University and Delhi-based Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, hefelt that there should be a clear demarcation between news and views.

The minister urged journalists to work in the interests of the women, minorities, marginaliszed sections of the society and the nation. He said that the development and empowerment of minorities and women is on the priority list of the government.

"Muslims are the equal citizens of this country. Those who wanted to go to Pakistan are gone," he said.

Stating that Maulana Abul Kalam Azad played a pivotal role in the freedom struggle, he called for emulating his spirit.

Naidu, who also released special edition of the University's magazine "Al Kalam" on Maulana Azad, said that Maulana's newspaper Al-Hilal espoused the cause of Hindu-Muslim unity and strengthened the inclusive ideals of Indian nationalism.

He also recalled that Urdu language and Urdu newspapers played a key role in the freedom struggle through awakening nationalism. He noted Urdu newspapers like Naqeeb e-Hamdard, Pratap, Milap, Quami Awaaz, Zameendar and Hindustan had significant contribution in spreading the ideals of nationalism amongst the Indian youth.

Stating that Urdu is the language of all Indians and not just Muslims, he said the government was making all efforts to promote the language.

He suggested that Urdu journalism take advantage of new technological advances that are radically changing the way information is reached to masses.

He said technology should be adopted for enriching Urdu Journalism, journalists should upgrade their skills and maintain high professional standards and values.

Senior journalist Alok Mehta in his address noted that the media persons reflect the changing realities of life.

Prof Irteza Kareem, Director NCPUL, voiced concern over the decline in the use of Urdu as a language of reading and writing.

Dr Aslam Parvaiz, Vice-Chancellor MANUU, emphasized the need for focusing on providing Urdu education at the school level.

--IANS

ms/vd