In a tribute to the resolute spirit of fearless journalism and its profound capacity for catalysing change, Kerala’s Finance Minister Sri. K.N. Balagopal delivered the inaugural address at the Vakkom Moulavi Commemoration programme in the state’s capital. He paid homage to the extraordinary legacy of Vakkom Moulavi, an icon of journalistic courage and integrity. The event, organised by the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial and Research Centre (VMMRC), took place at the Press Club in Thiruvananthapuram. It also marked the presentation of the inaugural Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award, a beacon of recognition for those who exemplify the unwavering commitment to truth and accountability that Vakkom Moulavi championed throughout his illustrious career.

In his address, Sri. Balagopal reminisced the revered figure Vakkom Moulavi as an epitome of unwavering journalism, and a formidable force for catalysing social change. He recollected Vakkom Moulavi’s profound impact on society, highlighting how his dedication to journalistic principles served as a driving catalyst for progress. Minister drew a parallel between the contemporary Indian media landscape and the era of Vakkom Moulavi. He emphasized the fearless journalist’s daring commitment to truth and dedication to the freedom of expression, qualities that often brought him into conflict with the interests of the state. Moreover, Minister Balagopal expressed deep concern about the ongoing attempts to control and influence the media, evoking unsettling comparisons with the dark days of the Emergency. His words resonated with the weight of history, underlining the critical importance of preserving the autonomy and integrity of journalism as a cornerstone of a democratic society.

The event was enriched by the profound insights shared by Sri. Sasikumar, a distinguished senior journalist and the Chairman of the Asian College of Journalism. He delivered the Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Lecture, delving into the theme of “Challenges in the Indian Media Sector.”  

Sri. Sasikumar outlined the contemporary challenges that confront freedom of expression in India. He shed light on the government’s relentless efforts to influence and dominate the opinions of opposition leaders through extensive surveillance of their communications. He also highlighted the troubling trend where media outlets refusing to align with the government’s narrative are unfairly stigmatized as “enemies of the state.” He warned against this dangerous development, underscoring the paramount need to safeguard the independence of the media as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy.

Sri. Sasikumar pointed out that a significant portion of the Indian media landscape finds itself compromised today due to the pressures exerted upon them by those in power, who employ a strategy reminiscent of the proverbial carrot and stick with respect to the media. Sri. Sasikumar emphasized that in today’s media landscape, outlets often face a dilemma where they must either adhere to the directives of the state or risk facing suppression. This predicament is exacerbated by the misuse of social media by troll factories and troll farms, which are aligned with the ruling party. He highlighted that those who disseminate vitriol on social media often have affiliations with the ruling dispensation. Furthermore, Sri. Sasikumar underscored the indivisibility of media freedom, stating that we cannot afford to disregard the role of new media and social media in today’s information ecosystem. Despite the numerous challenges, he stressed that we cannot halt technological progress, and it’s essential to view social media as an integral part of the media landscape, with an inseparable connection between the two. Sashikumar drew attention to recent incidents where notifications were sent to Apple iPhone users in India, including some opposition leaders. These incidents served as a stark reminder of the privacy concerns faced by politicians, academics, journalists, and others who have allegedly been targeted with the aid of spyware like Pegasus.

The event was also marked by the presentation of the inaugural Vakkom Moulavi Memorial Award, which was conferred upon Rajagopal, Telegraph Editor-at-Large. In his gracious acceptance speech, Rajagopal expressed his deep gratitude, emphasizing the extraordinary courage and distinctiveness of Vakkom Moulavi, a sentiment that resonated with many in the gathered audience.

The literary critic, Dr. P.K. Rajasekharan, presided over the function and shared valuable insights. He said that Vakkom Moulavi’s greatness extended beyond his role in the launch of Swadeshabhimani. It resided in his visionary efforts to impart education through the innovative Arabi-Malayalam script, which heralded a transformative era of women’s emancipation. Dr. P.K. Rajasekharan highlighted the profound impact of this pioneering endeavour on the empowerment and education of women in that period.

Smt. Jabeena welcomed and Dr. Shahina proposed a vote of thanks.