Excelsior Correspondent
SHIMLA, May 24: The Governor Kavinder Gupta said that the media is not merely a platform for news and entertainment but a powerful force capable of guiding society, spreading awareness and inspiring positive transformation.
The Governor was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the Big Impact Awards 2026 organised by BIG FM in Shimla late evening. On the occasion, the Governor also honoured individuals from various fields for their outstanding contributions and achievements.
The Governor said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is steadily moving towards the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”. He said that media, industries, educational institutions, social organisations and youth all have a vital role to play in this journey of nation-building.
Referring to the growing influence of radio as a medium of communication, the Governor said that the Prime Minister has successfully re-established the importance of radio through programmes like ‘Mann Ki Baat’, which has connected directly with people across the country and strengthened public participation in national initiatives.
Highlighting the role of media in nation-building, Kavinder Gupta said, “Media has the power to create awareness, encourage positive thinking and transform social campaigns into mass movements. Radio, in particular, connects directly with the hearts of people and reaches every section of society with ease.”
The Governor also drew attention to the growing global oil crisis and emphasized the urgent need for energy conservation. He appealed to the media to actively promote public awareness regarding fuel-saving measures such as greater use of public transport, car-pooling, avoiding unnecessary vehicle usage and adopting energy-efficient lifestyles.
The Governor also expressed concern over the increasing menace of drug abuse, particularly among the youth. He described substance abuse as a serious social and moral challenge that weakens individuals, families and society as a whole. He said, “Our youth are the greatest strength of the nation. We must collectively work to protect them from the menace of drugs through awareness, positive engagement and social responsibility.”
Emphasizing the constructive role of the media in combating drug abuse, the Governor said that awareness campaigns, motivational programmes and positive messaging can significantly contribute towards building a drug-free society. He urged young people to adopt discipline, hard work and positive thinking in life and encouraged greater participation in sports, culture, innovation and social service activities to channelise their energy in a constructive direction.
