‘Right to know’ is vital component of informed society: VP presents first ever TVR Shenoy award to Vinod Sharma

New Delhi, November 30: Vice president Venkaiah Naidu yesterday presented the first ever ‘TVR Shenoy award for excellence in parliamentary journalism’ to veteran journalist and political analyst Vinod Sharma. The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh and citation.

 

 

 

The award was presented at a function held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Conference Hall at the vice-president’s residence. Former Union defence minister and Kerala chief minister A. K. Antony delivered the commemorative address. 

After presenting the award, Naidu in his address advised the media to provide more coverage to the substantive work being done by Parliament rather than focusing on sensational remarks or disruptive behaviour by some members. Calling the people’s ‘right to know’ as a vital component for an informed society, Naidu called for a good working relationship between the parliamentarians and journalists. If their relationship becomes too adversarial or too close, it would undermine the public’s ‘right to know’, he added.

 

 

 

“A good data journalist can help citizens better understand the institution of parliament,” he said, adding that this may also improve the output of MPs as they would become more aware of their performance. However, Naidu expressed concern over the fact that chairpersons of several parliamentary standing committees now complain of only one third of the members turning up for meetings. “This is a worrying trend and I plan to write to all political parties regarding this,” Naidu said.

Naidu also cautioned parliamentarians to be aware of social media’s potential to spread fake news and misinformation. In this regard, he called for the creation of a system of checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti-social elements.

 

 

 

The award has been instituted by Professor K.V. Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust in memory of TVR Shenoy, renowned journalist and columnist, who served as editor, of news magazines The Week and Sunday Mail and held various posts in Indian Express and Malayala Manorama.