President Murmu asks media to do fearless reporting, stand with truth

The President said that everyone has a responsibility in taking the country forward and it was important how the country is presented

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asked the media to do fearless reporting and stand with the truth as she saw the fourth estate playing a big role in shaping the country and society.

The president, who met PTI editors at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of the founding of the news agency, said everyone has a responsibility in taking the country forward and it was important how the country is presented.

"Media ko nirbhikta se kam karna chaiye (media should work fearlessly)," she commented. "Kabhi satya se hatna nahi chaiye (It should never deviate from the truth)."

Murmu has also penned an exclusive article for PTI on the recent incidents of sexual and physical assaults on women, which have led to widespread agitations.

"You are a journalist but you are also a citizen. I too am a citizen. What you are concerned about, I am equally concerned about," she remarked on writing the article.

"The media can play a crucial role in improving the country and society," the president said.

"I am sometimes anguished because on the one hand we worship women as goddesses but that does not get reflected in day to day behaviour," Murmu said, recalling Rabindranath Tagore's famous poem "Where The Mind Is Without Fear".

She stated that the image of the media should not be tarnished. "Apni chhavi bhi kharab na ho (the image of media shouldnt get blemished). Logon ka vishwas jeetna chahiye (you have to win the confidence of the people)."

In her message to PTI on its 77th foundation day, the president said the Press Trust of India was established barely a few days after India won independence. "This news agency has been in the enviable position of chronicling the journey of the nation, right since its inception."

PTI, she said, has been "one of the most indispensable parts of India's journalism".