Kerala Kaumudi is fulfilling social reforms: Governor Arlekar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: If a newspaper like Kerala Kaumudi continues to be embraced by society for over a hundred years, it means it has fulfilled its duty of social reform as well, said Governor R. V. Arlekar. He was inaugurating the 114th anniversary celebrations of Kerala Kaumudi.

The Governor noted that Kerala Kaumudi, which has delivered both good and difficult news before and after India’s independence, continues to stand firm in its values and principles, which is no small feat.

He remarked that one of the reasons for incidents like the recent one at Peroorkada is that journalism is increasingly shifting toward sensationalism and entertainment.

"When India gained independence, the world expected it to rise with unprecedented strength because the country possessed great cultural and historical power. However, what the world later saw was a nation standing like a subordinate behind powers like Russia, China, and America. This disappointed the people. But today, we are rediscovering our own strength. India is now capable of leading the world from the front. The nation is paramount, and the media should empower and modernise people in line with this vision. Kerala Kaumudi has remained strong because it stood firmly with the people and the country," he said.

Fight for equal opportunity will continue: Deepu Ravi

Kerala Kaumudi has stood with the truth since its inception and has remained steadfast for decades, said Chief Editor Deepu Ravi. He was presiding over the inauguration ceremony of the 114th anniversary celebrations of Kerala Kaumudi.

"The ideals and positions the newspaper was founded on remain relevant even today. The continued attacks against the marginalised and oppressed people in Kerala prove this. We will continue the fight to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all," Deepu Ravi said.

"Kerala Kaumudi was founded by great-grandfather C.V. Kunhiraman to realise the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru for nation-building and social renaissance. In 2011, at the centenary celebrations, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh remarked that when a newspaper crosses 100 years, it becomes part of the nation's history. Kerala Kaumudi has strived to push the boundaries of journalism by viewing it as a force for transformation, free from the influences of politics, culture, and society. This commitment will continue," he said.

"Today, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is rising to a position of global leadership. The country is making significant strides in international-standard infrastructure and construction development. The private sector has played a crucial role in these achievements. Fortune 500 companies have been strong pillars of this growth. Small and medium enterprises also have a vital role, which cannot be overlooked," he added.