I feel quite happy to be here at the Inaugural Ceremony of the UNI TV. I extend my heartiest felicitations to the UNI team for coming up with this novel idea. They have indeed crossed another milestone in their dedicated service to journalism and to the nation.

It goes without saying that a free, responsible and vigilant media is the cornerstone of democracy. Rightly described as the Fourth Estate, the media have come to acquire a unique status as the sustainer of society in today’s information-driven world. More than ever before, the success and growth of a democratic polity now rests on an effective and enlightened public opinion, created and influenced through the columns of newspapers and also through the electronic media.

Friends, in our country, the media has played an important role particularly during our struggle for Independence. The Press has always been a relentless crusader for the rights and liberties of the people. It was a powerful catalyst of mass mobilization and a helpful instrument in the hands of nationalist leaders.

Today, it is our good fortune that we have a free and fearless media with a profound commitment to work towards the socio-economic uplift of our society. We also have in place the Press Council of India guiding the print media along the path of ethical conduct and, at the same time, protecting it from any infringement of its freedom. In broadcasting, we have seen profound changes in our country since the 1980s with the advancement of communications technologies. A large number of electronic channels have come into existence in recent times offering a wide variety of options for the viewers as also providing varied perspectives on issues before the nation. These changes have substantially altered our understanding of issues and further empowered the media in our country.

Friends, media has one great power attached to it…. the power to impact.  But that is where lies its responsibility…. The responsibility to present facts with objectivity and courage. It may render many useful services in the society in diverse areas, including education, information and development. Their contribution in the crusade against various societal ills like poverty, illiteracy, corruption, etc. is highly praiseworthy. If today our democracy is functioning vibrantly, as the world’s largest democracy, it would not have been possible without a free, fair and responsible media.

Friends, I would like to take this opportunity to also refer to the role of the media in our parliamentary polity. The Lok Sabha Television, the first of its kind, wholly owned and operated by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, is one of our most recent ventures. It is intended as a technological extension of the Visitor’s Gallery of the Lok Sabha and gives extensive coverage to the proceedings of the House and arranges discussions and analyses on important issues.

One thing I would like to say here, it has been observed that media tend to give front-page coverage to sensational news - noisy scenes, pandemonium, walkouts, etc. in the Houses of Parliament. In the process, many important issues like legislative business and developmental matters tend to get sidelined. If the media writes forcefully and objectively and gives importance to the substantive issues and significant matters raised during debates and deliberations in the Legislatures, I believe that it can be highly beneficial for the society.

Friends, the United News of India, with a modest beginning in 1961, with a journey of 48 years popularly known as UNI News agency is catering to more than a thousand subscribers, among whom our own Lok Sabha Secretariat is one. Its popularity can be gauged from the fact that these subscribers are spread over to more than one hundred locations in India and abroad. Its vast clientele includes newspapers, radio and television networks, web sites, government offices and private and public sector corporations. The UNI is also credited with being the first news agency in the country to launch a Financial, Stock Exchange and a National Photo service.

I am indeed happy to note that the UNI has not let its past achievements come in the way of bringing new and innovative approaches and is continuously expanding and extending its networks. The UNI is diversifying into the electronic media sector today, while continuing to uphold the highest ideals of journalism in this venture. The result of that passion and the latest feather to its cap is the UNI TV, which I am given to understand, will be a Video and Audio Clips Service. This new venture is intended to spread greater awareness about the outstanding work being done in the public and private domains in all parts of the country. In this era of advanced technology, especially in the realm of broadcasting, information and communications, the UNI TV will certainly go a long way in fulfilling its social role and be a great facilitator for those working in the development field.

I am thankful to the UNI for inviting me to this inaugural ceremony. I am confident that the UNI TV will deliver invaluable services to the nation in the years to come. My very best wishes to the UNI Family on this very auspicious occasion.

Thank you.