Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that the “relatively static medium of print” is of special relevance during these times of great turmoil, marked by the media themselves making news and social media playing “an ever increasing role in our lives.”
He was speaking at the inauguration of the 90th year celebrations of Mathrubhumi daily here on Sunday. He said the newspaper was an example of journalism that had been trusted by people for 90 years.
Dr. Singh said that these days of great turmoil were reported in great detail in the media and that the Internet had telescoped events into a degree unheard of in the past.
The Prime Minister recalled that Mahatma Gandhi had visited the office of the newspaper in January, 1934. He lauded the role played by the newspaper through its founders, who were among the most eminent patriots. The newspaper also played a significant role in shaping historic events such as the Vaikom Satyagraha and the movement for a united Kerala, the Prime Minister said.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the newspaper had played its role in India’s freedom movement and had been a source of inspiration for political workers like him.
