Renowned journalist and author Barkha Dutt remarked that while content formats and media platforms continue to evolve, the soul of journalism remains unchanged. She was speaking after receiving the 2025 Chavara Media Award for Lifetime Contribution to Journalism, instituted by the Department of Journalism, Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara, on Friday.

Ms. Dutt observed that there was no need to view influencers and content creators as adversaries, provided their work upholds the core values of journalism. However, she expressed concern over the absence of traditional gatekeeping mechanisms and the declining rigour of fact-checking in contemporary media practices. Emphasising the need for responsible journalism, she stressed that factual accuracy and ethical commitment must always go hand in hand.

The event was graced by Fr. Benny Nalkkara, Provincial of the Sacred Heart Congregation; Fr. Varghese Kachappilly, Manager of SH Institutions; Prof. C.S. Biju, Principal of Sacred Heart College; and media professionals Babu Joseph, Belbin P. Baby, and Minna Andrews, all of whom addressed the gathering.