PM Modi inaugurates INS Towers in Mumbai

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the INS Towers at the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) Secretariat in G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai. 

The new building is designed to meet the evolving needs of INS members, providing a modern and efficient office space that will serve as the nerve center for the newspaper industry in Mumbai.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi congratulated the members of the Indian Newspaper Society on the inauguration of the new tower and expressed hope that the enhanced working environment would further strengthen India’s democracy. He emphasized that the INS, formed before India’s independence, has not only witnessed but also communicated the nation’s journey through its highs and lows, highlighting the significant impact of the organization’s work.

The Prime Minister underscored the vital role of the media in shaping national discourse and changing conditions, particularly over the next 25 years towards achieving a developed India (Viksit Bharat). He highlighted the media’s role in creating awareness about citizens' rights and potential, citing the success of digital transactions in India as an example of how confident citizens can drive great success. Modi acknowledged the media’s partnership in these successes, noting the international interest in India’s digital public infrastructure.

Modi also discussed the media’s natural role in addressing serious issues and the impact of government policies on media functioning. He referenced the financial inclusion movement through the Jan Dhan Yojna, which integrated about 50 crore people with the banking system, aiding Digital India and anti-corruption initiatives. The Prime Minister lauded the media for incorporating movements like Swachh Bharat and Startup India into national discourse, free from vote bank politics.

Highlighting the influential decisions of the Indian Newspaper Society, Modi pointed out that government-initiated events and ideas, such as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and Har Ghar Tiranga, were embraced by the entire nation. He emphasized the humanitarian nature of environmental protection initiatives, like the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, which garnered global interest during the G7 Summit. Modi urged media houses to support such initiatives for a better future for younger generations.

Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution, the Prime Minister emphasized the media’s role in fostering a sense of duty and constitutional awareness among citizens. He also called for collective branding and marketing of tourism by newspapers, suggesting they promote the tourism of a particular state each month to foster mutual interest among states.

Modi urged newspapers to enhance their global presence, highlighting India's impending rise to become the third-largest economy. He stressed the media’s responsibility to broadcast India’s success globally, noting that a country’s global image directly affects its economy. He also mentioned the importance of the Indian diaspora and the potential for expanding Indian publications in all UN languages, facilitated by AI technologies.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister encouraged media houses to utilize digital editions of their publications, which do not face space constraints like printed editions. He urged them to consider his suggestions, experiment with new ideas, and strengthen India’s democracy. “The more strongly you work, the more the country will progress,” he said.

The event was attended by the Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Shri Ajit Pawar, and President of the Indian Newspaper Society, Shri Rakesh Sharma.