Commitment to truth, authenticity vital as fighting fake news becomes a daily battle: Nirmala Lakshman

At a time when countering fake news has become a daily battle, commitment to truth and authenticity is the most cardinal virtue of journalism that needs to be practised, Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson, The Hindu Group Publishing Private Ltd., said here on Saturday.

Ms. Lakshman, who is the author of The Tamils: A Portrait Of A Community, was in conversation with Col. David Devasahayam, chairman and managing director of the Radiant Group of Companies, on the topic ‘Re-imagining Tamil social fabric today” at the Radiant Wellness Conclave.

To a question on social wellness and women, she said, “Over the years, because of legislation, movements, and protests, there has been progress in terms of gender equality. But we have not really scratched the surface. Social and economic disadvantages still keep women in a much lower focus, both from the national point of view and from their own social wellness aspect. We have a long way to go.”

She expressed concern over caste-based killings and violence against members of the Dalit community. On inclusivity and acceptance in Tamil Nadu, she said rural India was well exposed to the outside world. Several families honoured heroes they revered by naming children after them, such as Lenin and Stalin. “It is a particularly wonderful Tamil characteristic to look at the world outside. It is not just about Tamil Nadu or Tamilians, contrary to the notion that Tamils are insular,” she added.

Nine aspects of wellness

In his keynote address, Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor spoke on nine aspects of wellness such as physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social, environmental, occupational, financial and cultural.

He expressed concern over the prevalence of obesity and diabetes, particularly among urban youth, and highlighted the negative correlation between screen time and mental health. In a conversation with journalist Barkha Dutt on “Planetary care in crisis”, Pasumai Thaayagam Foundation president Sowmiya Anbumani said though Tamil Nadu got enough rainfall, the State was unable to tap its potential due to inadequate storage facilities.

She stressed the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and move towards alternative energy sources.

During the conclave, veteran actor Shabana Azmi was honoured with the Radiant Lifetime Achievement Award for her contribution to Indian and international cinema.