Media’s responsibility as important as that of elected govt: Modi in Chennai

Prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chennai on Monday to attend a couple of events. It will be a one-day trip and he will return to the capital on the same day.

Speaking at the 75th year celebrations of Daily Thanthi, PM Modi said that media helps transforming society. "This is why we refer to the media as the fourth pillar of democracy," he said.

Actor Rajinikanth, who has been dropping hints of taking the political plunge, is also present in the audience.

Hailing media as the fourth pillar of democracy, the prime minister stressed on the importance of vernacular media. The prime minister also spoke about the social accountability of the media. Modi said media's responsibility is as important as that of the elected government."

Modi is his speech also focusses on importance of media's 'social responsibility': Fake news, vernacular media.

"Editorial freedom must be used wisely in public interest. The freedom to write, does not include the freedom to be 'factually incorrect', he said.

Mahatma Gandhi said, 'The press is called the Fourth Estate. It is definitely a power, but, to misuse that power is criminal," he added.

Further the prime minister said that "Even though media may be owned by private individuals, it serves a public purpose. As scholars say, it is an instrument to produce reform through peace, rather than by force. Hence, it has as much social accountability as the elected government or the judiciary"

"Natural calamities seem to be occurring with increasing frequency across the world. Can media take a lead in the battle against climate change? Can media devote just a little space to report or increase awareness about what we can do to combat climate change?" he questioned.

The prime minister will be meeting DMK President M Karunanidhi. Both the BJP and the DMK said. The two leaders are scheduled to meet at 12.30 PM at Karunanidhi's Gopalapuram residence.

PM Modi will be honoring a list of dignitaries acknowledging their services in various fields like Literature and Culture. Business Tycoon and Owner of VGP Group V G Santhosham will be honored with Special achievement award as he started off his career with Daily Thanthi Group as a News Paper vendor and went on to become a successful Business Mogul in his life.

According to the website, the prime minister will also attend the wedding of an IAS officer's daughter in Chennai on Monday. The officer, TV Somanathan, works in the Prime Minister's Office, it was reported.

Tight security arrangements are being made for the prime minister's visit and it is learnt that Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit, chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and deputy CM O Panneerselvam among other top officials will welcome Modi at the airport.

The PM is expected to visit Chennai in December too, to attend the valedictory of the birth centenary celebrations of former chief minister and AIADMK founder M G Ramachandran (MGR).

OneIndia News