Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav said that in the age of fake news, we should become practitioners of “Nek News” (news with integrity and public good at its core). He said that while opposing those in power is acceptable in journalism, opposing the nation is not. He said, “For us, the nation should be above the news, and national interest should remain our highest priority.”
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was addressing the inaugural session of Satrarambh–Abhyudaya 2026 at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication. He inaugurated the programme by lighting the ceremonial lamp and paid floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati, Bharat Mata and Dada Makhanlal Chaturvedi.
CM Dr. Yadav Releases University Publications
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav released three university publications—’Do Sadi Sakshi’, Vikalp Lab Journal ‘Main News Room’, and ‘Indian Kaleidoscope’, a journal focusing on India’s temple economy. He also honoured talented university students Sushri Paridhi Pujari, Sushri Tamanna Lashkar and Sushri Shivika Gupta for their achievements and presented them with awards. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav also visited the university exhibition ‘100 Saal Se 100 Surkhiyan’ (100 Headlines from 100 Years).
Kulguru Shri Vijay Manohar Tiwari welcomed Chief Minister Dr. Yadav, as per the university’s tradition, by presenting him with the books ‘Makhan Ke Laal’ and ‘Cartoon Katha’, along with an angavastram. Renowned actor, writer and litterateur Shri Piyush Mishra, along with 50 alumni of the university from across the country, were specially present on the occasion.
University’s Journalism Students have Earned Recognition across Country
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that journalism is an important pillar of democracy. Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication has today emerged as one of the country’s leading institutions for journalism and communication. He described it as a ‘Sacred Temple’ for journalists. The Chief Minister said that students of the university have earned recognition and established their presence across the country through print, electronic and, in the modern era, digital journalism.
During the freedom movement, Dada Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi and poet Pradeep were sentenced by the British for their writings. The writers and journalists of that era stood fearlessly with the truth, and the university’s students and faculty continue to carry forward that legacy. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the State Government is committed to the development of the journalism university. He appreciated Kulguru Shri Tiwari and the entire staff for carrying forward the university’s legacy with dedication.
Newspapers Fought to Protect Democracy During the Emergency
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that freedom fighterVinayak Damodar Savarkarmade an important contribution to the freedom movement in the role of a journalist. He went to London for studies and presented the true nature of the1857 uprising, explaining that it was not merely a military revolt but a struggle for independence. Shri Savarkar continued his journalistic and literary work even after being sentenced to life imprisonment in the Cellular Jail on two occasions. He also launched a movement to establish Hindi in a prominent position in society. India has a long and distinguished tradition of Hindi journalism. Later, during theEmergency, newspapers opposed the government of the time in defence of democracy, and some newspapers left their editorial pages blank as a mark of dissent.
India has had Strong Tradition of Communication Since Ancient Times
Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that India has had a strong tradition of communication since ancient times. Maharishi Valmiki introduced Luv and Kush to the story of Lord Shri Ram, and the two later travelled to Ayodhya and sang the Ram Katha in Lord Shri Ram’s court. Through Luv and Kush, Maharishi Valmiki presented the glorious aspects of Lord Shri Ram’s life and legacy to society. This, he said, was an effective form of communication. During the era of Lord Shri Krishna, Devarshi Narada played a role akin to that of a journalist by facilitating the exchange of information. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that Lord Shri Krishna learned 64 arts and 14 branches of knowledge on the soil of Madhya Pradesh, making the State proud.
Lord Shri Krishna and Adi Shankaracharya Both Received Education on the Soil of MP
Kulguru Shri Tiwari said that alumni of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication are bringing recognition to the university through their work in leading institutions across the country. He said that both Lord Shri Krishna and Adi Shankaracharya received education on the soil of Madhya Pradesh. The Kulguru urged students not to let negative thoughts overpower them and to contribute to the nation’s progress through positive actions.
Renowned actor, writer and litterateur Shri Piyush Mishra said that the beauty of Bhopal—including its warm and affectionate language, people’s hospitality, food and traditions—naturally attracts everyone. University Registrar Dr. P. Shashikala proposed the vote of thanks. Dr. Vijay Agrawal, Shri Hemant Muktibodh, university faculty members, guest scholars, newly admitted and former students, and officers and employees were present in large numbers.
