Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 115th anniversary celebration of Kerala Kaumudi newspaper in Alappuzha on August 30, 2026. The event marked 115 years since the publication was founded in 1911 by C. V. Kunhiraman. The Vice President used the occasion to speak about journalism’s role in Indian society and the challenges it faces in the digital age.
What the Vice President said
The Vice President described Kerala Kaumudi’s 115-year history as proof of trust, courage and the lasting impact of ideas. He noted that the newspaper has played an important role in social change and in giving voice to marginalised and oppressed communities over more than a century.
He highlighted three major contributions from Kerala to India: Adi Shankaracharya’s message of unity, Sree Narayana Guru’s message of equality, and Mannathu Padmanabhan’s work in education.
On the future of journalism, the Vice President said that while media has expanded from print to television, digital platforms and social media, certain principles remain essential. He stressed that public trust is a newspaper’s most valuable asset, built through accuracy, fairness, independence and accountability. He called for journalism that is credible, constructive and responsible, especially as artificial intelligence enters the field.
The Vice President urged media organisations to report on innovation, scientific achievements, community service and positive social change. He also advocated for balanced reporting on development and environmental issues, saying genuine problems need practical solutions rather than blanket opposition to progress.
The Vice President also presented Kerala Kaumudi Excellence Awards at the event. The celebration was attended by the Governor of Kerala, state ministers, MLAs and senior officials.
What this means for you
If you follow Malayalam language news or work in media, this speech sets out what senior government officials expect from journalism. The emphasis on credibility, fairness and public trust is relevant to how news organisations operate. The Vice President’s call for constructive reporting on development, environment and innovation suggests a direction for how news coverage on these topics should balance different viewpoints.