Call for resurgence of journalism in its true sense

Kerala Minister for Law and Sports Affairs M. Vijayakumar on Saturday called for a resurgence of journalism in its true sense.

Underscoring the importance for newspapers to upkeep values and ethics, he said the media was going through a troubled phase, particularly in the context of the recent reports about ‘paid news.' He said the centenary of the exile of Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, a firebrand journalist, must help bring back ethics-based journalism.

Speaking at a function to commemorate the centenary, organised by the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUJW), Tamil Nadu Unit and the Government of Kerala here, Mr. Vijayakumar said that Pillai was a pioneer among journalists to report and fight against corruption at all levels. He wrote against the Maharaja of Travancore and supported people's rule.

On September 26, 1910, the offices of

Swadeshabhimani newspaper and its printing press were sealed and confiscated by the British government and Ramakrishna Pillai was banished from Travancore. Mr. Vijayakumar praised Abdul Khader Moulavi, popularly known as Vakkom Moulavi, the owner of Swadeshabhimani, for giving complete freedom to Pillai.

P. Sainath, editor, rural affairs, The Hindu , in his keynote address, said Pillai did not serve power but fought against it. Mainstream journalism today is about serving power, he said. Great editors have been products of struggle, of movements, and of rebellion.

K.Ramakrishnan, the grandson of Ramakrishna Pillai, KUWJ-TN president P.K.Sreenivasan and general secretary K.A.Johny and chairman, committee of hosts E.P.G. Nambiar participated.