Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar, Army Commander of the Northern Command, said that defense correspondents play an important role in nation-building through responsible and accurate reporting while addressing the participants of the Defence Correspondents Course – 2024 in Udhampur. His speech underlined the vital link between the armed forces and the public, which defense journalists provide, by making sure that their work brings about transparency in military operations and in issues related to defense.
Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar said in his address that a great deal of responsibility rested with defence correspondents to shape public perception. He emphasized that their role was one where factually correct and informative coverage would go a long way in not only informing the public but also educating it about national security matters. He insisted that, in this information era with the heavy use of the media, the integrity and accuracy of reporting become all the more imperative. The Army Commander praised the journalists’ commitment to responsible coverage of issues related to defense and, by so doing, contributed to a well-informed public debate.
The annual Defence Correspondents Course is one such course that brings together journalists who report on defence and strategic affairs. The correspondents get to update their knowledge regarding military strategies, operations, and the general security environment. Participants get a clear overview of the challenges and complexities faced by the armed forces both at the national and international levels through direct participation. This will help the correspondents gain the necessary knowledge to file correct reports on all aspects of defence.
Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar spoke about the evolution of war-the modernization of the military, and in more recent times, the newest arms that is cyber and technological war. He asked correspondents to seek professional development and urged standards in reporting that inculcate the values of transparency and accountability. The Army Commander said, “Defense journalists have a very important role in this democratic process, helping the public to keep up-to-date with military readiness and modernization.”.
It concluded with a question-answer session wherein correspondents were allowed to interact one on one with Lt Gen Suchindra Kumar. The correspondents had asked questions about all aspects of military operations, strategy, and modernization of defense; thus got an understanding of how the armed forces strive to secure the nation. This enriched not only the knowledge of the correspondents but also consolidated the role of correspondents in fostering more enlightened journalism within the paradigm of national security.
The bottom line is that the Defence Correspondents Course remains an important forum for shaping a knowledgeable and skilled media contingent, and only such media personnel are better suited to undertake reporting of the complex dimensions of defense with a view towards national cohesion and an informed public.