I am truly delighted to be here at this very special occasion. We are here to recognise the good work of good journalists, and also to pay tribute to the memory of a great publisher. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to Ramnathji’s memory. He built this great institution of The Indian Express with passion and dedication.

As my friend George Varghese has written in his biography of Ramnathji, he was a man of many parts. A freedom fighter, a Gandhian worker, a politician, a merchant, a real estate developer and industrialist, a newspaper magnate and, above all, a patriotic Indian. Few publishers have defended the freedom of the press with as much passion and conviction as he did. Therefore, I am personally very pleased that the Express Group has instituted these awards for excellence in journalism in Ramnathji’s memory. It is a fitting tribute to a man who greatly valued professional excellence in journalism.

Some time back, speaking at the Chandigarh Press Club, I had expressed my concerns about the rapid quantitative growth of our media outpacing qualitative development. The pressures of competition have hobbled professionalism and encouraged some unhealthy trends. I was heartened, however, by the reaction of many media professionals to my observations. I was happy to see many turn their torch inward and introspect. The Editors Guild of India responded in a most professional manner.

I hope the debate within media, about trends in media, has helped strengthen the hands of professional journalists who are proud of their professionalism. I am sure the Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism will further encourage the growth of professionalism. India is fortunate to have a free and vibrant media. We must defend its freedom and foster its vibrancy.

... contd.