Youth may end up following ‘Cockroach’ if positive messages are ignored, says VP Radhakrishnan | Today’s news
Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday remarked that the youth could end up following a “cockroach”, in a veiled reference to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), if positive initiatives and achievements are not highlighted enough.
He stressed the importance of constructive journalism, saying it played a vital role in running society and promoting public trust.
Addressing the 140th anniversary celebrations of Malayalam daily Deepika as the chief guest, Radhakrishnan emphasized that the media should put more emphasis on positive developments so that the young generation is exposed to inspirational information and suitable role models.
What did VP Radhakrishnan say?
“Positive activities should be well reported. Only then will the youth get the right information. Otherwise, they will lose interest and end up with a ‘cockroach’,” he was quoted as saying by PTI.
The Vice President said that as India moves forward with growing confidence and ambition under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the responsibility of credible and responsible media organizations is gaining importance.
While affirming his support for freedom of expression, Radhakrishnan questioned the practice of giving excessive attention to issues that may have little relevance or significance in the long run.
In an apparent reference to the online attention surrounding CJP, a satirical social media account that has gained popularity among young people, he wondered whether such matters warranted the level of attention they received in a single day.
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“If something is really good, people will continue to recognize its value after a week, 10 days or even a month,” he mentioned.
Radhakrishnan added: “No one knows about them. Suddenly they are everywhere. This cannot last.”
He further emphasized that noble thoughts and positive messages should reach every section of the society and play a meaningful role in nation building.
The satirical platform gained prominence in the wake of the controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who was referred to as “cockroaches” and “parasites” in a hearing related to the designation of “senior” advocates.
Read also | Cockroach Janata Party founder moves Delhi HC, challenges blocking of X account
The CJI later clarified that his comments were misrepresented and were actually aimed at individuals who entered the legal profession with “bogus and bogus titles”.
Originally launched as a satirical online initiative, the platform has since grown into a wider forum for discussions about digital dissent and concerns among young people. Through memes and pointed political commentary, she tackled issues including unemployment, leaked exam papers and the state of education.
The Vice President said that the responsibility of nation building and development does not rest with one individual, political party or government alone.
Read also | Website down, X account suspended, Instagram hacked: What next for CJP?
Radhakrishnan noted that constructive journalism plays an important role in strengthening trust in society, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and inspiring citizens to participate in the country’s progress.
He said newspapers can serve as powerful agents of social transformation by bringing to the fore stories of compassion, scientific innovation, community service, environmental protection and human achievement.
According to him, the true dharma of journalism is to recognize and praise good work while speaking out against wrongdoing whenever it is called for.
The Vice President further noted that editorials are an appropriate forum for expressing opinions in newspapers, while reporting should remain objective and fact-based. He also warned against a growing trend of mixing opinion with news.
The Vice President expressed concern about the evolving media landscape, highlighting challenges such as the spread of misinformation, erosion of public trust, commercial pressures and rapid changes brought about by digital platforms.
He noted that many people today tend to form opinions based on headlines and headlines rather than engaging with issues and debates in depth.
Radhakrishnan also praised Deepika for her role in promoting social harmony, promoting education, preserving cultural values and encouraging meaningful public discourse.
Among those present at the event were Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Chief Minister VD Satheesan, Kerala Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, former West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose and Kottayam Archbishop Mathew Moolakkatt.
(With agency input)
