Media should provide good and truthful news: Modi

He said dialogue was necessary for a democracy to thrive.

He was speaking at the Platinum Jubilee celebrations of the Marathi newspaper Pudhari at Kolhapur.

Modi said the credibility that media enjoys today also enjoins upon them an immense responsibility.

He praised Pudhari as one newspaper that had fulfiled this responsibility.

The Prime Minister said criticism helps prevent mistakes, and helps truth to be brought out properly.

He however said, today proper criticism does not happen, adding that allegations had replaced criticism.

Modi said criticism required a thorough study, and had become a casualty of the fast-moving modern times.

He said weakness of criticism, and an excess of allegations would weaken democracy.

He said the need of the hour was healthy criticism, not allegations.

The Prime Minister appreciated Pudhari Chairman Pratapsinh Jadhav for raising issues of Kolhapur in his speech.

He said he had hoped that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis would fulfil the expectations. He also expressed hope that Goddess Lakshmi would provide the strength and resources to fulfil all dreams of all Indians.

Newspapers like Pudhari are an example of overcoming obstacles. He said they had persevered and won against all odds during the freedom struggle.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the new premises of Pudhari, at Kolhapur by remote control.

He unveiled a statue of the founder of Pudhari - G.G. Jadhav by remote control.

He also released two books - Marmabedh, and Sinhayan.