Kantipur Publications is celebrating its 32nd anniversary today. Our long journey has continued amid repeated struggles for democracy, initiatives to institutionalise federalism, demand for good governance, and debates to strengthen the national economy. Rapid advancements in information and technology are also transforming the nature and dimensions of our political, economic and social debates. While embracing the positive aspects of change and discarding the negative ones, it is our responsibility here at Kantipur Publications to liberalise and strengthen the common platform of information and dialogue that is media. We are committed to making this journey even more dynamic.

Information is the lifeblood of democracy. But how information is conveyed also determines the health of democracy. Information that has been processed and verified increases social awareness while information created with bad intent destabilises society. A conscious society strengthens the system by asking hard questions, making the system accountable and strengthening democratic processes while a destabilised mindset only brings destruction. From the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, to other responsible global bodies and media outlets—there is a growing concern about how ‘misinformation’ and ‘disinformation’ are polluting social thought. Even in Nepal, rather than a dejected society, what we need is an aware society. Kantipur has dedicated its information network towards this larger goal.

Responsible media organisations always question the state and power. Yet there is no guarantee those in power will take the questions in a good spirit. Many groups and powers are uneasy answering hard questions and rather choose to exact revenge on the media. Kantipur itself has also been facing such challenges. If a person in a public post misuses state power in self-defense, only that person is answerable for what follows. Kantipur has a history of not being fazed by such attempts to silence us, and we remain committed to undertake our professional duties fearlessly.

The foundations of the economy are shaky. Businesses and factories have been unable to operate at full capacity, there is lack of investment in business and trade, and confidence in the security of existing investment is low. Poor job creation has cut into people’s earnings. At a time when business and trade are facing headwinds, the media industry alone cannot flourish. There is an urgent need to boost confidence in both the media and the industrial sector by creating an environment for constructive debate—and Kantipur will fulfill its professional duty to make this happen.

Our esteemed readers have been the biggest source of strength for Kantipur over the past 32 years, and we are forever grateful to them. Advertisers and advertising agencies have staunchly backed us in good times and bad. Starting with the delivery personnel who bring our newspapers to our readers’ homes at dawn, to the unmatched hard work and dedication of our entire staff, they all, we believe, enrich both Kantipur and Nepali journalism. Thank you.