Kochi: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Sunday stressed the importance of constructive journalism, saying the media must give greater prominence to positive developments and achievements to inspire the younger generation and strengthen society.
Addressing the 140th anniversary celebrations of Malayalam daily Deepika, Radhakrishnan said balanced and meaningful reporting plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and guiding youth toward productive role models.
Without directly naming anyone, the Vice President remarked that if positive activities are not adequately highlighted, young people may lose interest in meaningful issues and instead gravitate toward trends symbolised by the “cockroach,” an apparent reference to the recently popular satirical social media platform, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
“Positive activities should be reported properly. Only then will youngsters receive the right information. Otherwise, they may end up following the ‘cockroach’,” he said.
Radhakrishnan clarified that he supports freedom of expression but questioned the tendency to give excessive attention to subjects that may quickly fade from public memory. He suggested that genuinely impactful developments continue to hold value and relevance even weeks after they occur.
Referring to the rapid rise of the satirical online platform, he observed that certain phenomena can suddenly dominate public conversations despite having little long-term significance. He argued that enduring ideas and constructive messages deserve wider dissemination and should contribute to nation-building efforts.
The Cockroach Janata Party gained traction on social media following a controversy linked to remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a hearing concerning the designation of senior advocates. The CJI later clarified that his comments had been misinterpreted and were aimed at individuals entering the legal profession using fraudulent academic qualifications.
What began as an online satire page has since evolved into a platform where users express concerns over issues such as unemployment, examination paper leaks, and challenges within the education system through memes and political commentary.
Highlighting the role of journalism in society, the Vice President said responsible reporting can build public confidence, encourage social responsibility, and motivate citizens to participate in national development. He added that stories focusing on scientific achievements, environmental protection, community service, compassion, and innovation can become powerful tools for social transformation.
Radhakrishnan also lauded Deepika for its long-standing contribution to education, social harmony, cultural preservation, and informed public discourse.
