Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan attended the 115th Anniversary Celebrations of Malayalam newspaper Kerala Kaumudi in Alappuzha on August 30, 2026. He described the newspaper's 115-year journey as a testament to trust, courage, and the enduring power of ideas, noting it was founded in 1911 by Shri C. V. Kunhiraman. The Vice President highlighted Kerala Kaumudi's significant contribution to social awakening and raising the voice of the marginalized and oppressed.
Radhakrishnan congratulated the people of Kerala on the recent change of their state's name to Keralam, recalling that he was chairing the Rajya Sabha when the bill was passed on August 12, 2026. He stated that Members' happiness reflected the correction of a historical error and noted Keralam's great contributions to India including Adi Shankaracharya's message of unity, Sree Narayana Guru's message of equality, and Mannathu Padmanabhan's contribution to education.
The Vice President emphasized that while journalism has evolved from print to television, digital platforms, social media, and artificial intelligence, credible information and journalistic ethics remain paramount. He stated that public trust is the greatest asset of a newspaper, earned through accuracy, fairness, independence, and accountability. Radhakrishnan called for constructive journalism that highlights innovation, scientific achievements, compassion, community service, and positive social transformation to educate society and inspire citizens toward nation-building.
He also advocated for a balanced approach to development and environmental concerns, stressing that genuine problems must be addressed through practical solutions rather than politicizing every issue or opposing development by default. Using rivers as an example, he emphasized that their depth and health should be maintained through timely and appropriate measures. The Vice President expressed hope that Kerala Kaumudi would continue to uphold truth, credibility, and public trust as journalism's foundations.
At the event, Radhakrishnan presented the Kerala Kaumudi Excellence Awards. The program was attended by Kerala Governor Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Kerala Higher Education Minister Shri Roji M. John, Alappuzha MLA Shri A. D. Thomas, Chathannoor MLA Shri B. B. Gopakumar, Kerala Kaumudi Chief Editor Shri Deepu Ravi, Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam General Secretary Shri Vellappally Natesan, and other dignitaries.