Ahmedabad, 24 May 2013

Describing the mass media as the fifth pillar of democracy, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that social media has emerged as the most dominant media among newspapers, print media, electronic media and news channels.

Launching the Gujarat edition of English daily The Hindu Business Line at a function here, he said Gujarat is an important state in the world for business journalism. Business flows through the veins and arteries of the state. Business is in the blood of every Gujarati. He is keenly interested in business and share market.

Speaking on the occasion, he said criticism is always welcome in a democracy that makes it stronger, but allegations reduce credibility of the mass media. He regretted the present leaders’ anti-democratic intolerance to media criticism and attempts to block social media. However, he pointed out, he never even tried to block tonnes of abuses hurled at him and lies spread against him. There are lakhs of supporters in India and abroad to thwart such lies through social media itself.

Mr. Modi recalled how late Indira Gandhi had gagged the freedom of press and democracy in June 1975 for 18 months during the Emergency. History is witness to it. The present rulers are trying to apply the same tactics on social media.

He described the social media as a gift of the technology. Its aggressive stance has forced the print and electronic media to focus on people’s aspirations and apprehensions and bring about qualitative change in the 150-year-old Indian newspaper industry. The world has moved very fast now to adopt mobile governance.

Referring to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s remarks on the ninth anniversary of UPA Government that it had inherited an empty glass, Mr. Modi said, the glass is now overflowing with corruptions. UPA passing through policy paralysis has lost people’s trust as it poses threat to Indian democracy.

CII President and Infosys Co-Chairman Gopalakrishnan welcomed the launch of the newspaper from a state known for development model. Gujarat’s Chief Minister Narendra Modi holds the status of an international leader. He has succeeded in leading the path of economic progress. He also stressed on the need for qualitative improvement in social media like that in good governance and development.

Hindu Group-Business Line CEO Arun Anant and Businessline Editor D. Sampath Kumar also spoke on the occasion.