ShriPinarayi Vijayan, Hon’ble Chief Minister,

Shri P. Sreeramakrishnan, Hon'ble Speaker,

Shri A.K. Balan, Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Castes,

Schedules Tribes and Backward Classes, Law, Culture and Parliamentary Affairs,

Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Opposition Leader,

Shri V. Sasi, Deputy Speaker,

Shri S.V. Unnikrishnan Nair, Secretary, Kerala Legislative

Assembly,

Priyappetta Niyama Sabha Saamaajikare,

Priya Madhyama Suhruthukkale,

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

Ellavarkkum Ente Namaskaram.

I am very happy to launch Sabha TV, the program production facility of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. It adds to my joy that I could also present the Niyamasabha media awards to six brilliant media persons. My sincere greetings to the recipients of Sabha awards.

Let me begin by complimenting the Kerala Legislative Assembly and its Speaker Shri P. Sreeramakrishnanfor initiating steps to take the proceedings of the Assembly to the people, by effectively utilizing the opportunities offered by our digital media.

I also congratulate all the six media-persons who have received awards today and remind them of the greater journalistic and social responsibility that comes as part of such honor.

As we all know, the Kerala Legislative Assembly has a unique place in the political history of our country on account of the many progressive legislations it has made for the welfare of the people, which in some cases have been adopted by other states as well.

Kerala's legislative achievements have added new dynamism to the social, political and economic arena of the State.

The Kerala Land Reforms Act, 1963 and its later amendments, many legislations made with a sincere concern for the welfare of the working class, improvement of  Education and others point to the welfare oriented sensitivities of our Legislature.

This collective social commitment of the Legislature, has been one of the major factors which helped to position Kerala as a role model for other States.

We are aware that the Kerala Legislative Assembly has initiated many programs to empower people particularly those who were historically disempowered, in a truly democratic spirit.

The Festival of Democracy, which attracted delegates from all over India was a unique way of preparing our youth for tomorrow's democratic responsibilities.

Today, the Legislative Assembly has set another example in reaching out to the masses through the launch of Sabha TV. 

I am informed that Sabha TV will   produce and broadcast programs highlighting the proceedings of the Kerala Legislative Assembly through various media channels.

My expectation is that Sabha TV through its programs will make people aware of the functioning of the Legislative Assembly and improve their knowledge about Indian democratic values and traditions.

Above all, the programs of the Sabha TV should be oriented to create an abiding faith in the Constitution, its ideals and institutions and promote awareness about the noble ideals which inspired our struggle for national freedom.

The deliberations in our Legislative Assembly and its Committees have a great impact on Kerala's social, political and cultural spheres. The people of our State need to be informed about the sincere efforts of political parties and individual legislators in enriching our democracy through their performance in the Assembly.

Sometimes we see a tendency in certain sections to be cynical about our democratic institutions. This disdain arises from a general ignorance about the process and procedures of legislation and parliamentary conduct.

The best way to seek a more positive response from the people towards these institutions is to improve the general understanding about them.

A democratic polityis pivoted around the citizens, who with their hard work and industry produce an environment of stability and prosperity in an environment marked by justice, liberty, equality, fraternity and dignity of the individual.

Our constitutional scheme provides a judicious mix of fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy and fundamental duties which if understood and appreciated properly can create an environment to mould enlightened citizenship.

The enlightened citizens are what ancient poet, King and mystic Bhartruhari described as Sat-purushas or best people, who sacrifice their self interest and work for the welfare of others.

In today's information age, assisting people with right information and knowledge can help in cultivating the Sat-Purusha qualities that can transform the individuals into enlightened citizens.

The Sabha TV can rightfully assume this responsibility and I wish to be in a position to say about Sabha TV, what Mark Twain had said about the Associated Press, that there are only two forces that can carry light to all the corners of Kerala; the sun in the heavens and the Sabha TV down here.

As we all know, the Freedom of the Press is a corner stone of democracy. Our Constitution guarantees Freedom of the Press by implication, as part of the Fundamental right of   every citizen to express his or her views freely.

In a democracy, the Press has a responsibility to prove to be worthy of the trust reposed in it by the society. It is here that we need ethical practices. Comment also is justly subject to a self-imposed restraint. It is well to be frank; it is even better to be fair. This is an ideal.

Ethical Journalism is not only about what kind of news is broadcast or published but also the manner in which it is conveyed to the viewers.  Let us not forget the dictum : Facts are sacred; comments free.

Moreover, the Media have the responsibility of enriching a democracy by generating healthy debates on public issues. 

In a way, the legislature and media share the responsibility of meticulously updating society about the legislations and other important matters of public interest.

I am glad that the Kerala Legislative Assembly has recognized and respected this responsibility of the Media by instituting awards for meritorious reporting.

The awards for outstanding reporting on legislative procedures, for contributions to Malayalam language and allied culture and for investigative journalism have been linked with the names of Late Sri Shankaranayan Thampi, the first speaker of the Assembly, Late Shri E.K. Nayanar, the longest serving Chief Minister and Late Sri G. Karthikeyn, a former speaker who passed away while in office. The decision to honor the memory of these great men who devoted their lives to public service is laudable.

The legislations, discussions and even the conflicts in the Assembly must reach the citizens in a truthful manner so that they can make informed choices in matters which concern society.

The Media are doing this work well, but the presence of Sabha TV would certainly add value to this service.

I hope the legislative news, debates, and news based programs of Sabha TV, would create improved awareness in society about the working of our democracy.

Finally I wish that Sabha TV becomes a full fledged channel like Lok Sabha TV in the years to come.

Sabha TV-yude Vijayaththinu Ente Aashamsakal

                                                             लोका: समस्ता: सुखिनो भवन्तु ।

                                                                    वलरे नन्नि

                                                                    जय हिन्द ।

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