Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday addressed the Dainik Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman event in New Delhi, saying Dainik Jagran continues to move forward with the values of former Dainik Jagran editor-in-chief and writer Narendra Mohan. In his speech, he hailed Gen Z, but also cautioned them not to be influenced by the "Western interest".
On the occasion of the birth anniversary of former Dainik Jagran editor-in-chief Narendra Mohan ji, the Hindi daily honoured Buddhinath Mishra with the Dainik Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman. Mishra has been given a memento along with an honorarium of Rs 11 lakh.
Speaking at the event, Singh said that Narendra Mohan ji always held the values and ideals of journalism as paramount. Dainik Jagran continues to uphold and advance those same values even today.
He recalled that during the Emergency, he wrote "New Democracy? Censored, Remain Silent!" in an editorial and left the column blank. The blank space was a symbolic protest against the restriction on freedom of expression, he added.
No One Has The Right To Spread Anarchy: Singh
He said that no one has the right to spread anarchy in the country, without naming anyone in particular. 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. Drawing upon all our values, our youth will continue to contribute to the nation’s development,” he added.
"I believe that generational change is essential for the progress of society. Generation confluence is the coming together of multiple generations. Society expands with the change of generations. A change or gap between generations is not always negative. It forms the foundation of knowledge, innovation, and progress. It is amidst the shifts between generations that the future takes shape,” the Defence Minister said.
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Gen Z has lived its life amid the internet, smartphones, and social media, he said, adding that the ways of communication and entertainment have now changed. "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 explained.
While formulating policies, we should also consider how future generations can benefit from them, and our government is actively working in this direction, he asserted.
Singh Expresses Concerns Over Misuse Of Social Media
He said 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.
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 that young people are not merely job seekers in this changing technological era, but rather, through their leadership and innovation, they become job creators and leaders of the next generation.
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. But progress should never come at the expense of wisdom, he cautioned, adding that the previous generation brings with it experiences, values, and lessons that only time can teach.
(With Jagran.com Inputs)