Kathmandu: President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the integral relationship between democracy and press freedom, highlighting the critical role Nepali journalists have played in the fight for democracy, often at great personal risk. Speaking at the 16th Civilian Honours Programme organized by Nepal Republic Media, President Paudel asserted that democracy is unimaginable without a free press, just as unbiased journalism cannot exist without democratic governance.
According to National News Agency Nepal, President Paudel urged the journalism sector to shift the narrative from stagnation to progress, emphasizing the importance of highlighting positive developments in the country. He cautioned against the dangers of populism and the desire for praise, which can obscure the truth. He advocated for a vigilant press that disseminates accurate information and enhances the critical awareness of citizens.
Recalling historical perspectives, President Paudel mentioned former Prime Minister BP Koirala’s invitation to journalists to criticize and alert the government, underscoring Koirala’s belief in the power of a free press. He acknowledged the significant contributions of journalism to the democratic movement in Nepal and noted the substantial changes in media and information communications. With technological advancements, citizen journalism has gained strength through social media and diverse broadcasting platforms.
President Paudel highlighted the responsibility of mass media to shield the public from disinformation, stressing the need to prevent the spread of false and misleading information through technological misuse. During the ceremony, Nandadevi Kunwar, a forest protection campaigner from Kailali, Ghanshyam Pathak, an educationist from Rupandehi, and Pooja Mahato, a cricket player from Mahottari, were honored with the Civil Honor 2082 BS.