NEW DELHI: Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Sunday said youth could end up following the “cockroach” if positive developments and achievements are not properly informed.Speaking at an event, Radhakrishnan said media has a responsibility to highlight positive stories that can inspire the society and guide the younger generation.“Positive activities must be well informed. Only then will young people receive adequate information. Otherwise, they will lose interest and end up following the ‘cockroach’,” he said.While stating that he was not opposed to free speech, the vice president questioned the tendency to pay excessive attention to issues that may not have lasting significance.Apparently referring to the recent popularity of satirical social media platform Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), particularly among the youth, Radhakrishnan said fleeting trends should not overshadow significant developments.“If something is really good, people will still recognize its value after a week, ten days or even a month,” he said, according to news agency PTI.“No one knows about them. Suddenly, they are everywhere. That can’t last,” he added.The Cockroach Janata Party emerged on social media last week following a controversy over comments attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing on the “senior” appointment of lawyers.The platform quickly gained attention among young users through memes and satirical comments on topics such as unemployment, exam leaks, and education-related concerns.The CJI later clarified that his observations, directed at people entering the legal profession through “false and fictitious degrees”, had been misquoted.The vice president said constructive reports help build public trust, inspire collective action and motivate citizens to contribute to nation-building.According to the vice president, stories that highlight compassion, scientific achievements, community service, environmental protection and human achievement can become powerful tools for social change.
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