Author Buddhinath Mishra was honoured with the Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman on the birth anniversary of former Dainik Jagran Editor-in-Chief Narendra Mohan. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Mohan's legacy and delivered a speech focusing on bridging generational gaps, empowering youth, and guiding policymaking in the age of rapid technological change.
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Tribute To Narendra Mohan
Paying tribute to the legendary journalist, Singh said, "I am extremely happy to be among you all at the 'Narendra Mohan Memorial Lecture'. We all know that Shri Narendra Mohan served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Dainik Jagran Group. He always upheld the highest values and ideals of journalism and, through his writings, took journalism to new heights. I pay tribute to the memory of Shri Narendra Mohan ji," Singh said.
He recalled Narendra Mohan's weekly column "Vichar Pravah" and working with him in Parliament.
"Interacting with him, both in Parliament and outside, always provided something new to learn," Singh noted, adding that during the Emergency on June 27, 1975, Mohan published a blank editorial titled "New Democracy? Censored, Stay Quiet!" in protest.
"Narendra Mohan ji was not only a journalist but also a literary figure. He was as good a writer of prose as he was of poetry... This year, the award is being presented to Shri Buddhinath Mishra. His writings are prolific and multifaceted. He has spread the word of Navgeet throughout India and abroad," he added.
Dainik Jagran: A Legacy Of Generational Confluence
Highlighting the journey of the Dainik Jagran, Singh held it up as an example of adaptiveness across eras.
"Founded in 1942 by Mr Puran Chandra Gupta, Dainik Jagran became the voice of the freedom movement. After independence, major social, economic, and political changes occurred... Shri Narendra Mohan, Dr Mahendra Mohan Gupta, and Shri Sanjay Gupta, recognising these changes, carried forward the legacy of Dainik Jagran. Generations changed, leadership changed, and technology changed, but the core journalistic value established by Shri Puran Chandra Gupta remained intact. The journey of Dainik Jagran is proof that when experience, fundamental principles, and new thinking go together, the generation gap becomes a generation bridge," he said.
Rajnath Singh Expresses Concerns Over Social Media Use
He said that Gen Z has lived its life amid the internet, smartphones, and social media, adding that the ways of communication and entertainment have now changed. He noted that in Australia, social media has been blocked for children under 16.
"In India, the Supreme Court has also suggested a minimum age for social media. Some people will oppose this as well. However, we will take appropriate steps to ensure their safety," Singh said.
Preparing Youth For AI And Future
"The transistor was invented in 1947. This invention became the foundation of today’s semiconductor industry. In 1950, Alan Turing put forward the idea of the Turing Test. Later, people researched it further, and all of this paved the way for today's AI," Singh said.
The Defence Minister said, "In this era, leadership, vision, courage, and emotional intelligence are crucial. Young people who can make decisions in uncertainty, take people along, and have the courage to embrace change will thrive in the era of AI and shape the future".
Under the new education policy, critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving are being promoted, he highlighted, adding that the government's goal is to ensure young people become job creators rather than job seekers. Public policy must act like a gardener rather than a carpenter, transitioning toward policy "with" and "by" youth.
Defence Minister Hails Young Generation
He said that a future-focused generation is more self-motivated, thinks beyond boundaries, and views the world from a broader perspective. He, however, said that progress should never come at the expense of wisdom, adding that the previous generation brings with it experiences, values, and lessons that only time can teach.
Singh stated, "Today's young generation, Gen Z, is highly self-aware. They are fully conscious of their responsibilities. While they may be temporarily misled by Western interests, they can never be diverted from the goal of nation-building. We have complete faith in our youth, but that trust also comes with responsibility".