Media should work to remove unemployement, corruption: Shekhawat

New Delhi, Jun 6 (UNI) Vice- President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today called upon the media to play a more effective role in helping the country deal with problems of poverty, unemployment and corruption.

Presenting the 'Shailikar Samman' to noted journalist Prabhash Joshi on the occasion of the birth centenary celebrations of Dr Kanahaiya Lal 'Prabhakar' here Mr Shekhawat said that media played a crucial role in driving away the Britishers from the country during the pre-Independence era and now it should play a similar role in driving away poverty, unemployment and corruption.

He said that media, which is the fourth pillar of democracy, could also strengthen other three pillars like the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary by reminding their roles and pointing out any lacunae in their functioning. Journalism could play a major role in removing bad governance and bringing ''Sushashan' in the country by creating awareness among people on major issues, he said.

Mr Shekhawat also called for strengthening Hindi language and connecting it with employment generation and scientific knowledge as only then both the Hindi literature and journalism could flourish. Stating that he was not against English, the Vice President said that more steps should be taken to preserve the national language by teaching the modern systems in Hindi.

Lamenting that the regional languages are growing at the cost of Hindi in the country, he said that this tendency should be curbed as Hindi is the national language and the media of expression of a vast majority of our population.

He said that only when Hindi language is protected and encouraged then only effective journalism could flourish in the country.

The 'Shailikar Samman' received by Mr Joshi consisted of a Plaque, Citation, Shawl and Rs 11,000.

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