David J Ranz, Consul General, US Consulate General, Mumbai, visited Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal, for an interactive session with the students.
While addressing the gathering at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal, David J Ranz, Consul General, US Consulate General asserted that journalism is a profession of courage and commitment and no democracy can flourish without the free press.
He commenced his talk with the famous quote of Third US President Thomas Jefferson in which he had stated “If I had to choose between Government without newspapers and newspapers without Government, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the latter.”
‘In his speech David J Ranz asserted that journalism is a profession of courage and commitment and no democracy is possible without freedom of press as freedom of press lays foundation to nation’s core values. Talking about Indo-US relations, he said that Respect for sovereignty, transparency, and trade, values are the corner stone of this relationship. These geo-strategic partners have a lot in common in terms of cultural values and mutual interests for heading north in growth and development.
He also spoke about the strong role played by Indian Americans in every sector of US society and there critical role in bringing the two nations closer.
He also spoke about the current business environment in India. Multinational companies are repositioning their finances globally and India can take advantage of this once in a generation opportunity by ensuring a reliable investment environment.
He also encouraged Indian students to avail the opportunites to study in US universities by working with Education USA for information.
The programme was followed by an engaging question- answer session in which students raised various questions on global issues. On a question regarding climate change Ranz asserted that US cannot rectify this problem alone, unless countries like India and China step in. Answering a question on higher education he said that US has the best universities of the world where Indian students can pursue their higher studies.
Earlier, Deepak Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of the University welcomed the guest with shawl and shrifal and in his welcome speech reiterated that democracy and journalism are two sides of the same coin and without impartial journalism democracy cannot survive. He also discussed the future challenges in developing and maintaining International relations with other countries.
