NEW DELHI : The Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu today expressed his concern over the COVID-induced financial strain in the media industry and appealed to everyone to treat their employees with empathy and care and stand with them during these difficult times.
Paying tributes at a virtual commemorative meeting held to pay respects to late M P Veerendra Kumar today, the Vice President praised him for protecting the rights and welfare of the employees of Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Limited despite ushering in technology in the publication of a range of magazines.
He appealed to everyone to draw inspiration from the likes of Veerendra Kumar and adopt a more empathetic attitude towards the fellow citizens.
Observing that Veerendra Kumar was a multifaceted personality,Naidu said that he was a respected politician, a prolific writer, an environmentalist and an accomplished journalist.
Lauding several initiatives and campaigns piloted by Veerendra Kumar as the member of various press bodies, the Vice President said that he pioneered the cause of the freedom of the press in the larger interest of the people.
“As Chairman and Managing Director of the Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Limited, he made invaluable contribution in the field of journalism”, Naidu added.
One of the important aspects of Veerendra Kumar’s life was the empowerment of people through dissemination of information, the Vice President said and highlighted the importance of providing correct and authentic information during these pandemic times. He appreciated the media for empowering people through information and perspectives on the pandemic despite risks involved in the task. However, he also cautioned the media to guard against unverified and unsubstantiated claims on treating COVID-19.
