This is the time to create an ideal environment for media freedom: N. Ravi

The Tamil Nadu government, with many of its members proficient in media and communications, should consider the time crucial to create an ideal environment for media freedom and free speech, N. Ravi, Chairman, Chennai Institute of Journalism (CIJ), and Director, Kasturi and Sons Limited, said on Tuesday.

“Chief Minister Vijay, apart from his other qualities, is proficient in visual communication, and the Minister for Information is a prominent media personality. This is the time to create an ideal environment for media freedom and for free speech in general,” Mr. Ravi said, speaking at the first convocation of the Chennai Institute of Journalism.

Quoting former Supreme Court Judge, Justice Vivian Bose, he said that the “effect of words must be judged from the standards of reasonable, strong-minded, firm, and courageous men and not those of weak and vacillating minds and of those who smell danger in every hostile point of view”, clarifying that the expression ‘men’ included women as well.

“Actually, there must be a great deal of tolerance of criticism, however harsh or unreasonable, and any action in the case of free speech should be in line with the Constitutional limitations provided in Article 19(2),” Mr. Ravi emphasised.

While the rise of social media has democratised and widened the access to media space, absence of trained gatekeepers has pushed factual accounts, fairness, and informed opinion to the backseat. “It is in this context of the proliferation of the media, both mainstream and social, that the training imparted by institutions such as the CIJ becomes significant,” he pointed out.

Rajmohan, Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, and Information, in response to Mr. Ravi, quoted Voltaire to state that he believed that irrespective of political differences, the right to free speech should be defended.

“Whatever be the differences, this government will be pro-people and, as has been the established practice, will stand united on people’s issues,” Mr. Rajmohan stated.

A.S. Panneerselvam, Director General, Chennai Institute of Journalism, said that it was the State government’s involvement that had made it possible to offer a well-curated postgraduate diploma course in journalism with a fully equipped lab and domain experts teaching the students for a mere ₹10,000 annual tuition fee. The primary aim of the institute was to ensure that fees should not be an entry barrier for students.

The Minister, during his address, assured Mr. Panneerselvam of the government’s continued support to good initiatives like the CIJ.

A total of 39 students from the first batch received their certificates with T. Anbudasan and V. Arathi receiving Outstanding Student Awards and P. Surender receiving the Skill Proficiency award.

V. Rajaraman, Secretary, Tamil Development and Information, and A. Arun Thamburaj, Director, Information and Public Relations, also spoke.