Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 15: While speaking on 10th Sat Paul Sahni Memorial Lecture on the topic “The Menace of Fake News”, organized by Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), J&K Regional Branch, Rakhee Bakshee, Political Analyst, ABP News, New Delhi, said that citizens have to be proactive and de-contextualize the news, as it has a potential to influence their minds and emotions.
Ms Bakshee stressed upon the need for value driven and ethical based journalism to curb the menace of fake news. According to her, the strength of a robust democracy lies in the independence of its media and fake news poses a greater challenge to the society, especially with the advent of technology.
The function was presided over by Dr Ashok Bhan, former DGP, J&K Police, who raised concern about the potential of fake news to create hatred, disturb democratic processes, generate violence and even lead to war between nations. While citing historical international examples of yellow journalism from the 19th and 20th century, he said the emergence of fake news is not a new phenomenon and with 1/4th of Indian population becoming active on social media.
“The power of fake news to generate societal tensions is a concern for Government as well as society,” he said and urged upon the members of media fraternity to guard itself from becoming the propagators of fake news and adopt ethical code of conduct while fulfilling their responsibility as the fourth estate of democracy.
K B Jandial, Director (Seminars), IIPA, while paying rich tributes to Late Sat Paul Sahni, remembered him fondly highlighting his personal and professional contribution to the field of journalism and media. Prof Alka Sharma, Secretary, IIPA presented the vote of thanks. Dr Anil Gupta, Joint Secretary, IIPA conducted proceedings of the function.
The function was well attended by members from media, journalism, police, administration, academia, students, senior citizens and members of IIPA.
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