President Pranab Mukherjee presents the National Award for Excellence in Journalism 2015 to Sujit Chakraborty of IANS National Press Day celebrations in New Delhi yesterday.

IANS/New Delhi


Prestigious awards should be cherished and emotions should not overrun reason, President Pranab Mukherjee said yesterday during the National Press Day celebrations. His comment came as several artists recently returned their awards blaming the government for rising intolerance in the county.
Speaking at a function organised by the Press Council of India here, Mukherjee said: “Prestigious awards are a public recognition, of talent, merit and hard work, by peers and leaders in the profession. Such awards should be cherished and valued by those who receive them.”
“Sensitive minds sometimes get disturbed by some incidents in society. Emotions should not overrun reason and disagreement should be expressed through debate and discussion,” he said. “We must, as proud Indians, have confidence in the idea of India and the values and principles enshrined in our constitution. India has always been able to self-correct whenever such a need has arisen.”
The president said journalists must bring to public notice the array of ills and deprivations that continue to beset large number of people. “Caution should be exercised in passing judgements, especially on matters where the due process of law is yet to be completed. We must never forget that careers and reputations take years to build but only minutes to demolish.”
Mukherjee also gave away National Awards for excellence in journalism on the occasion. Among this year’s awardees is IANS Agartala bureau chief Sujit Chakraborty.