People also should be ready to accept freedom of expression, says Dr. Sebastian Paul, former MP

Kochi: Senior journalist and former LDF MP and MLA Dr. Sebastian Paul said in Kochi that governments alone cannot protect freedom of expression. He was speaking on “Media trends in the era of modern social media.” The programme was organised by Vishwasamvada Kendram in connection with the Narada Jayanthi celebrations. When internet entered the arena of media, his generation thought that a new horizon of freedom has been opened. Such a relief came up from the rude experience of censorship during Emergency regime. But, now that assumption has been changed. Modern social media turned to be a place where any one can say anything hence censorship came there.  It appears to be a field where media dharma, its culture and duty are not at all applied. That is why regulations become inevitable. Narada Maharshi is an all time example for exemplary media activities.

M.V. Benny told that modern social media opened the doors of a world sans secrets.  Follow the truth is the right and safe path. Dharmik life will prevail when the people behave without reservations.   

Dr. Sebastian Paul presented the award, for the total contribution towards cultural media activities, to M.V. Benny.

Vishwasamvada Kendra chairman M. Rajasekhara Panicker told that Narada was the Rishi who reconciled the contradictions for the victory of dharma. Narada is the mind of God. He was the apt model of media dharma of past, present and future which accepted the media of interactions and discussions for the victory of the forces of goods in the universe.

Murali Parappuram delivered the Prof. M.P. Manmadhan memorial speech. Murali said that Manmadhan was the real Gandhian who was discarded when the Gandhi-baiters wore the garbs of Gandhians.

K.R. Umakanthan presented the first M.P. Manmadhan Puraskar  to Mathrubhumi senior reporter T.J. Sreejith.

Media student S. Remya was awarded a consolation prize for the best essay on her experiences of Kanyakumari Youth Journalism Workshop. Samvada Kendra secretary M. Satheesan and treasurer P.G. Sajeev spoke on the occasion.