Freedom of press 'thermometer' of democracy: Satyarthi at IPI award

New Delhi: A free press was akin to a "thermometer" in checking the health of a democracy, Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi said today.

Speaking at the prestigious IPI India award ceremony, Satyarthi called for an enhanced media focus on child slavery and trade, issues which he believes are "under-reported".

"Freedom of press is a thermometer to understand the health of a democracy and a society," Satyarthi said in his address, where he also touched upon the issues concerning his field of work.

Rabi Banerjee of 'The Week' and Varun Bhatt of Hindi daily 'Rajasthan Patrika' were given the award at the event.

Satyarthi said the issues relating to children who are enslaved and traded are vastly under-reported. He said an enhanced focus can help save a generation which can secure subsequent generations.

In his address, N Ravi, Chairman of the India Chapter of the International Press Institute (IPI), expressed his disappointment over the Supreme Court upholding the validity of the law of defamation.

He also flagged concern over the growing tendency of organised groups taking offence at perceived slights to them.

Senior editor Philip Mathew, an IPI fellow, highlighted the perils of "misinformation" spread on social media, a space where "rumours are sold as truth".
He termed it as an "echo-chamber" of idea and views. He also condemned the practice of dubbing journalists, who do not toe a certain ideological line, and "even cricket commentators"as "anti-nationals".

Banerjee bagged the award for his interview of Irom Sharmila which revealed for the first time that she wanted to give up her prolonged fast against the AFSPA -- the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act -- and take to politics.

Bhatt has been awarded for his investigative report exposing the apathy and negligence of the authorities in fulfilling promises to build a memorial for 1,500 tribals, killed during freedom struggle in Mangadh in Rajasthan.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh, a trophy and a citation for each of the winners.

A distinguished jury of Editors and Publishers headed by Justice AS Anand, former Chief Justice of India and former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, chose the awardees.

IPI India had instituted the annual award in 2003 to recognise and honour the best work done by an Indian media organisation or journalist working in print, radio, television and Internet mediums, in furtherance of public interest, including safeguarding of freedom of the press and other freedoms such as human rights.