‘Fearless Expression Is Democracy’s Lifeline’: VP at Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman
C. P. Radhakrishnan urges media to strengthen national discourse, honouring Ramnath Goenka’s legacy in Chennai
- Vice-President attended the 3rd Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman in Chennai
- Called literature and fearless expression pillars of democracy
- Urged newspapers to devote space to national development issues
- Lifetime Achievement Award given to Dr. Chandrasekhara Kambara
GG News Bureau
Chennai, 2nd Jan: The Vice-President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, on Friday attended the third edition of the Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman in Chennai, describing literature and fearless expression as vital pillars of democracy.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President paid tribute to the legendary journalist Shri Ram Nath Goenka, calling him a ‘conscience-keeper of Indian democracy’ who upheld journalistic integrity, intellectual courage and democratic values. Recalling the Emergency period, he highlighted the iconic blank editorial published by Goenka’s newspaper as a powerful symbol of moral resistance and the strength of silence.
Radhakrishnan urged newspapers to allocate greater space to national development issues, suggesting that at least two pages be dedicated regularly to constructive discourse that strengthens informed citizenship and national consciousness. He said truth, when upheld with conviction, carries its own moral authority.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, the Vice-President said India’s progress must be inclusive, with all languages and cultural traditions advancing together. He highlighted initiatives to promote Indian languages and heritage, including granting Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali, and the Gyan Bharatam Mission to preserve manuscripts through digital and AI-driven tools.
Noting that literature has always reflected society and civilisational values, he said writers and intellectuals bear a special responsibility in nurturing social harmony, constitutional values and ethical discourse, especially during times of rapid transformation. Freedom of expression, he added, remains a cornerstone of democracy and must be exercised with responsibility and empathy.
At the event, the Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on eminent Kannada writer Dr. Chandrasekhara Kambara. The Best Fiction Award went to Subi Taba of Arunachal Pradesh, the Best Non-Fiction Award to Shubhanshi Chakravarty, and the Best Debut Award to Neha Dixit.
