Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered the prestigious 6th Ramnath Goenka Lecture today, an event that celebrates the powerful intersection of governance and independent journalism. The lecture series, named after the founder of the Express Group, is a platform for visionary leaders who have instigated significant change and provoked critical thought on the world's most urgent issues.
A Reaffirmation of Democratic Values
Viveck Goenka, Chairman of the Express Group, set a profound tone for the evening. He emphasized that the Prime Minister's participation was far more than a formal engagement. "A reaffirmation that the dialogue between the state and the free press remains the heartbeat of a confident nation," Goenka stated. He described the lecture not as a mere ceremony, but as a "commitment to the values of truth-telling, accountability, and the power of ideas."
Highlighting the significance of the moment, Goenka pointed to a global landscape in flux. "This is a time when power equations of the world are being upended," he noted, adding that hearing from the leader of the world's largest democracy carries a deeper resonance during such volatile times.
Legacy of the Lecture Series
The Ramnath Goenka Lecture has a storied history of hosting an eclectic and influential group of speakers. The inaugural lecture was delivered by Marianne Pearl, the wife of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Since then, the podium has been graced by a diverse array of thought leaders.
Past distinguished speakers include:
- Dr. Raghuram Rajan, former RBI Governor, who offered prescient views on India's global economic role.
- President Pranab Mukherjee, who reflected on the indispensable power of a free press in a democracy.
- Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who urged the judiciary to be on the "front foot" to uphold its moral authority.
- Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, who advocated for moving beyond the "dogmas of Delhi" to engage with a rapidly transforming world.
- Bill Gates, the technologist and philanthropist, who outlined how technology is reshaping human existence and driving social change.
An Address for a Changing World
Prime Minister Modi's address at the 6th Ramnath Goenka Lecture is poised to join this canon of significant speeches. The event underscores the enduring importance of a platform dedicated to robust discourse and the exchange of powerful ideas. In an era defined by uncertainty, the lecture serves as a critical forum for examining the challenges and opportunities facing India and the world, reinforcing the essential dialogue between the government and the Fourth Estate.
