"DEMOCRACY AND DHARMA: INDIA’S TWIN PURSUITS GAIN MOMENTUM" – HON. GOVERNOR OF GOA

Silver Jubilee of ‘Devarshi Narad Patrakar Samman 2025’ Celebrated at Raj Bhavan, Goa

 

Panaji, June 21, 2025: The Silver Jubilee celebration of the prestigious ‘Devarshi Narad Patrakar Samman 2025’ was held with great enthusiasm and reverence at Raj Bhavan, Goa on Saturday. The event, organized by Vishwa Samvad Kendra, was graced by Hon’ble Governor of Goa, Shri P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, who emphasized the significance of responsible journalism in a democracy.

 “India is among the very few democratic nations where the Press enjoys genuine freedom,” said Hon’ble Governor Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai during his keynote address. “But it is crucial to remember that with this freedom comes a profound responsibility. The power to inform, influence, and shape public discourse must be exercised with integrity and accountability.” Recalling the grim chapter of the Emergency imposed nearly five decades ago, he remarked, “It was one of the darkest periods in India’s democratic history, when journalistic freedom was virtually extinguished. Newspapers were forced to submit content for government approval before publishing — a direct assault on the very spirit of a free Press.”

 

"Governor Pillai further highlighted that India has progressively advanced in restoring its democratic values and civilizational ethos." “We are now witnessing a national resurgence — a return to our ancient roots, guided by the values of Dharma, knowledge, and cultural pride. With this foundation, India is well on its way to emerging as a Vishwaguru, not just spiritually or culturally, but also as an economic powerhouse — aspiring to be among the top two global economies in the near future.”

 

The program witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Shri Viththalrao Kamble (Prant Karyawah, Konkan Prant), Shri Pramod Bapat (Kshetra Prachar Pramukh), both senior functionaries of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Shri Savio Rodrigues (Editor in chief - Goa Chronicle), Shri Sanjay Amonkar (Secretary General – Goa Chambers of Commerce & Industries) among others.

 

As part of the celebrations, two distinguished journalists were felicitated:

§  Shri Sadguru Patil, Editor, Lokmat, in the Print category

§  Shri Pramod Acharya, Editor, Prudent Media, in the Digital category

 

Dr. Nishith K. Bhandarkar, Convenor of the awards, described the Samman as a tribute to fearless, ethical, and culturally rooted journalism. “True journalism is about presenting verified facts, awakening the collective conscience, and connecting citizens with the social and cultural fabric of Bharat,” he remarked. IHe also informed the gathering that as part of the Silver Jubilee series, the award function for the MMRD region was successfully concluded last Saturday in Mumbai, and the next ceremony will be held in Ratnagiri this coming Saturday, covering the Konkan region.

 

In his keynote address, Pramod Bapat stated, “We are at a crucial juncture — a war of narratives is unfolding around us.” Drawing from Bharatiya philosophy, he explained, “In our tradition, we believed in 'Brahma Vakya' — a statement that is well-thought, deeply researched, and once uttered, considered irrevocable. In contrast, Western ideology often upholds 'The pen is mightier than the sword,' is fluid; allowing for reversals and rewrites.” He emphasized that Indian media must return to its civilizational ethos to rebuild credibility and trust. “With great power comes great responsibility,” he added, underlining that the press, as the fourth pillar of democracy, must wield its influence with integrity, restraint, and accountability. Only then can journalism truly serve society and contribute to nation-building.

 

"The awardees expressed their gratitude to Vishwa Samvad Kendra for the recognition and that is too in this Silver Jiubilee year. They emphasized that the award is not just a tribute to editors, but to every journalist and contributor in the news ecosystem-right down to the grassroots level, stating that they were deeply honoured to receive the Devarshi Narad Patrakar Samman.

 

The event began with a heartfelt tribute to the victims of the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, and concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri Shekhar Pai Phondekar (Vibhag Sah-Karywah – RSS). The celebration saw participation from journalists, philanthropists, industrialists, artists, and members of civil society from across Goa.