Write Truth Fearlessly to Build Viksit Bharat: VP Radhakrishnan at IIMC

• Vice-President addresses 57th Convocation of IIMC in New Delhi
• Calls on media to write truth fearlessly for nation-building
• Highlights AI, AVGC and creator economy shaping new storytelling era
• Lays foundation stone for new academic block and hostel

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th Feb: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Friday called upon young journalists to “write truth fearlessly” and contribute to building a Viksit Bharat, while addressing the 57th Convocation of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in the national capital.

Congratulating the graduating students, he said opinion makers must shape positive and truth-based narratives for nation-building. “You take the truth in your heart and no one can beat you,” he told the students, urging them not to chase ratings but uphold integrity and correctness in journalism.

The Vice-President noted that IIMC, founded nearly six decades ago, has produced generations of communication professionals who have strengthened India’s democracy. Referring to its transition into a Deemed University in January 2024, he expressed confidence that the institution would continue as the country’s premier mass communication centre.

Highlighting the transformation of the media landscape, he said artificial intelligence, data analytics, immersive storytelling and social platforms are redefining how stories are created and consumed. He pointed to the growing role of the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics) sector and the expanding creator economy, citing the National AVGC-XR Mission and Centres of Excellence launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Recalling veteran journalist A.N. Sivaraman, former Editor of Dinamani, the Vice-President urged students to draw inspiration from socially conscious journalism that informs and shapes leadership.

Addressing the challenges of misinformation in the digital era, he said words have consequences, images shape perceptions and narratives influence thought. Referring to Operation Sindoor, he remarked that alongside safeguarding national interests on the ground, an equally critical battle was being fought against fabricated narratives online.

He also appealed to media houses to give space to stories of economic development, innovation and national progress, stressing that balanced journalism must highlight achievements alongside challenges.

On the occasion, the Vice-President laid the foundation stone for a new academic block and hostel at IIMC, expressing hope that the expanded facilities would strengthen digital labs, AI-based learning, data journalism and modern studios.

Union Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Railways and Electronics & IT and Chancellor of IIMC Ashwini Vaishnaw, Vice Chancellor Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur and other dignitaries were present at the ceremony.