Vice-President Attends Third Edition of Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman in Chennai

C. P. Radhakrishnan, today attended the third edition of the Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman in Chennai.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said the Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman celebrates the enduring power of literature, ideas, and fearless expression.

Paying tribute to Shri Ram Nath Goenka, the Vice-President described him as a towering figure of fearless journalism who upheld integrity, intellectual courage and democratic values, calling him a ‘conscience-keeper of Indian democracy’ whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Recalling his personal association with the period of the Total Revolution led by Shri Jayaprakash Narayan, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said that during the Emergency, Shri Ram Nath Goenka upheld journalistic values and opposed press censorship without fear. He highlighted the iconic blank editorial published during the Emergency as a powerful demonstration of the strength of silence and the moral force of journalism.

The Vice-President called upon newspapers to dedicate greater space to issues of national development, suggesting that at least two pages be regularly devoted to constructive discourse that strengthens national consciousness and informed citizenship. He emphasised that truth, when upheld with conviction, carries its own moral authority.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said that India’s progress must be inclusive, with all languages and cultural traditions advancing together. He acknowledged the Prime Minister’s leadership in placing India’s cultural, linguistic and intellectual heritage at the centre of national discourse. The Vice-President noted initiatives to promote Indian languages and traditions, including the conferment of Classical Language status on Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali. Referring to the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture, he said the initiative integrates tradition with technology to preserve India’s manuscripts and knowledge systems through digital and AI-driven tools.

Observing that literature has always served as a mirror of society and a torch-bearer of civilisational values, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said that in a period of rapid economic, technological, and social transformation, the responsibility of writers and intellectuals assumes even greater significance. Their role, he said, extends beyond creativity to nurturing social harmony, constitutional values, and ethical discourse. Freedom of expression, he added, remains a cornerstone of democracy and flourishes best when exercised with responsibility, empathy, and accountability.

Referring to India’s rich literary heritage from the Vedas and Upanishads to the epics, Bhakti and Sufi poetry, and modern literature,he said respect for plurality, debate, and free expression is deeply embedded in India’s civilisational ethos.

Observing that a developed India is defined not only by economic strength and technological advancement but also by social inclusion, cultural confidence, and ethical values, Shri C.P.Radhakrishnan said the journey towards Viksit Bharat requires enlightened minds, creative expression, and a strong moral compass. Literature and journalism, he added, play a vital role in fostering informed debate, constructive dissent, and democratic vigilance.
Congratulating the award recipients, the Vice-President said their contributions enrich India’s intellectual landscape and strengthen the bond between ideas and society. He expressed confidence that their writings would inspire readers, particularly the younger generation, to think deeply, act responsibly, and engage creatively with the world.