Mangaluru, Feb 25: Expressing concern over the “relentless efforts” to portray India as a ‘Hindu nation’, Kerala Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday exhorted the mass media to uphold the secular fabric of the country.
He was speaking at the construction commencement ceremony of 'Madhyama Kendra', the new office complex of Vartha Bharathi Kannada daily in the city ahead of participating in the Karavali Sauharda Rally organized by CMI(M) at Nehru Maidan.
Mr Vijayan lamented that though some media claim that they are secular, they openly spread communalism and endorse communal ideology without any hesitation. “Such communal media pose a major threat to the nation,” he said.
He said that preserving the secular fabric of the nation is the primary responsibility of the media at a time when communal forces are trying to undermine the constitution and turn the nation into a religious country.
“It is natural that every media house will have its own stand. However, it should not be against the values of Indian constitution and social fabric of the country,” he said.
The CM also advised the media to focus on the problems of the poor and oppressed classes and not to come under the influence of capitalism and communalism. “Unfortunately, a majority of media around the world are now puppets in the hands of capitalists. In India too prominent media houses are owned by capitalists,” he said.
Commending ‘Vartha Bharathi’ for upholding secular ideals and fighting communal elements, he said the daily had stood for the cause of the poor and depressed sections of society while many other media groups were now being influenced by capitalist and corporate forces.
Vartha Bharathi editor-in-chief Abdussalam Puthige presided over. Food minister U T Khader, forest minister B Ramanath Rai, MLAs B A Mohiuddin Bava, J R Lobo and Abhaychandra Jain were present.
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