Literature & Fearless Expression Are Pillars of Democracy: Vice-President at Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman

Chennai, January 2, 2026: Vice-President of India  C. P. Radhakrishnan on Thursday underscored the vital role of literature and fearless expression in sustaining a vibrant democracy while addressing the third edition of the Ramnath Goenka Sahitya Samman held in Chennai.

The Vice-President said the award celebrates the enduring power of ideas, literature, and intellectual courage, and serves as a reminder of the responsibility writers and journalists carry in shaping democratic consciousness.

Paying rich tribute to  Ram Nath Goenka, the Vice-President described him as a towering figure of fearless journalism, who upheld integrity, truth, and democratic values even in the most challenging times. He termed Goenka a “conscience-keeper of Indian democracy”, whose legacy continues to inspire generations.

Recalling the period of the Total Revolution led by  Jayaprakash Narayan and the Emergency, Radhakrishnan highlighted how Ram Nath Goenka boldly opposed press censorship. He referred to the iconic blank editorial published during the Emergency, calling it a powerful symbol of moral resistance and the strength of silence in journalism.

The Vice-President urged newspapers to devote greater space to issues of national development, suggesting that at least two pages be regularly reserved for constructive discourse that strengthens national consciousness and informed citizenship.

He emphasised that truth, when upheld with conviction, carries its own moral authority, and remains central to public trust in media and institutions.

Referring to the vision of Prime Minister  Narendra Modi, the Vice-President said India’s development must be inclusive, ensuring that all languages and cultural traditions progress together.

He acknowledged the government’s initiatives to promote Indian languages, including the grant of Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali. He also highlighted the Gyan Bharatam Mission of the Ministry of Culture, which integrates tradition with technology by preserving manuscripts and knowledge systems through digital and AI-driven tools.

Observing that literature has always reflected society while preserving civilisational values,  Radhakrishnan said that in an era of rapid economic, technological, and social change, the responsibility of writers and intellectuals has become even more significant.

Their role, he noted, extends beyond creativity to nurturing social harmony, constitutional values, and ethical discourse. He reiterated that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy, and flourishes best when exercised with responsibility, empathy, and accountability.

Highlighting India’s rich literary heritage—from the Vedas and Upanishads to Bhakti and Sufi traditions and modern literature—the Vice-President said that respect for plurality, debate, and free expression is deeply embedded in India’s civilisational ethos.

He observed that a developed India is defined not only by economic and technological strength but also by social inclusion, cultural confidence, and ethical values. Literature and journalism, he said, play a crucial role in fostering informed debate, constructive dissent, and democratic vigilance on the path towards Viksit Bharat.

Congratulating the award recipients,  Radhakrishnan said their contributions enrich India’s intellectual landscape and inspire deeper engagement with ideas, particularly among the younger generation.

The awards conferred at the event included:

• Lifetime Achievement Award: Dr. Chandrasekhara Kambara, eminent Kannada writer

• Best Fiction Award: Subi Taba (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Best Non-Fiction Award: Shubhanshi Chakravarty

• Best Debut Award: Neha Dixit