•   The unique confluence of journalism, education, and social service – Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh. Rising from a humble background to leave an imprint at the global level.

•             From PTI to Parliament – reporting with courage and sensitivity.

•             From Vartavali to Good News India – the stream of positive and constructive journalism.

•             An institution builder: paving a new direction in education.

•             Expansion of language journalism and innovation at IIMC and Makhanlal University.

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•             A true promoter of Indian languages, raising Marathi, Malayalam, Urdu, and Sanskrit journalism to new heights.

•             Representing India on global platforms – from Seoul to Mauritius spreading India’s vision and perspective.

•             A mentor who enriched academic discourse and gave students clarity of purpose.

•             A glorious journey from the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award to Lifetime Achievement recognitions.

•             The backbone of democracy – Indian languages and constructive journalism.

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Dr. Ankit Pandey…

The life of Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh is an inspirational journey, reflecting his tireless contributions in journalism, media education, institution building, and communication. His personality is an ideal for students, employees, and administrators not only because of the heights he achieved, but because those achievements were motivated by his deep sense of duty to society and his vision for national interest. The 26th of September, his birthday, is not just a date of birth, but a reminder of commitment and dedication that he exemplified throughout his career. Dr. Ankit Pandey has also undertaken research on the subject “Prof. Dr. K.G. Suresh: Personality and Work – A Personal Study”, which remains significant for students.

Born into a modest background, Dr. Suresh’s vision was nonetheless extraordinary. From early on, he understood the transformative power of media and communication. After completing his education, when he chose journalism, he faced many challenges. During his long tenure with the Press Trust of India (PTI), he not only followed Indian politics and parliamentary proceedings closely, but also became part of history by reporting many landmark events. From the Royal Palace Massacre in Nepal, the Gujarat earthquake and riots, the post-conflict situation in Afghanistan, to L.K. Advani’s controversial visit to Pakistan—he observed every incident deeply, analyzed it thoroughly, and presented it effectively to society. His reporting went beyond mere facts, carrying a layer of sensitivity that distinguished a great journalist.

As Senior Consulting Editor with Doordarshan, his role was equally noteworthy. He introduced several new and innovative programmes that redefined journalism and created a new current of positivity in mass communication. “Vartavali,” the world’s first Sanskrit news magazine on television, is testimony to his visionary approach. “Good News India” sent a powerful message that news need not be limited to negative incidents and controversies; it must also highlight positive initiatives and inspiring stories. “India First” and “Do Touk” added fresh perspectives, combining serious discussions with bold, candid dialogue. To him also goes the credit for launching Doordarshan’s first Android-based mobile application, affirming his commitment to embracing technology with the times.

He is equally known as an institution builder. His tenure as Director General of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) is considered historic. He took pathbreaking steps in strengthening Indian language journalism. Journalism courses in Marathi and Malayalam were introduced at the Amravati and Kottayam campuses respectively. The Urdu journalism programme in Delhi was upgraded from a certificate course to a full-fledged postgraduate diploma. He also initiated a special certificate programme in Sanskrit journalism. Under his leadership, IIMC became not just an institute but the hub of a renaissance for Indian language journalism. At the same time, he established the Community Radio Empowerment and Resource Centre and the National Media Faculty Development Centre. Furthermore, he revived IIMC’s publications Communicator in English and its Hindi version Sanchar Madhyam, which reinvigorated meaningful academic discourse.

An example of his farsightedness was Media Mahakumbh, organized in 2018. This was IIMC’s first inter-university youth festival that brought together media students from across the country on one platform, giving them the opportunity to present their creativity and talent. The festival reaffirmed that journalism is not just a profession, but also a medium of sharing ideas and values.

His tenure as Vice Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal, also gave a new identity to the university. Being Asia’s first and India’s largest journalism university, it secured progress in research, curriculum innovation, and technological advancement under his guidance. He consistently worked to bridge formal education with practical training, thereby inspiring both students and teachers.

Dr. Suresh is more than an administrator and journalist—he is also a committed teacher. He has taught Communication Skills at the Special Centre for Disaster Research, Jawaharlal Nehru University. He has also been associated with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research, the Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management, University of Delhi, and many other prestigious institutions. His lectures were never just academic—they had a profound influence on personality development and national consciousness among students.

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His presence was felt not only nationally but also on the international stage. He has represented India at the World Media Conference in Seoul, the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations Forum held in Doha and Vienna, the World Sanskrit Conference in Bangkok, the World Hindi Conference in Mauritius, and the India-Japan Global Partnership Summit in Tokyo. On each platform, he presented Indian perspectives while engaging in meaningful global dialogue.

His work and contributions have been honored both nationally and internationally with many awards. These include the Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award, the PRSI Leadership Award, the Visionary Leader in Media Education Award, the Khwaja Garib Nawaz Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in Media Education. He was also appointed Youth Ambassador for Peace for Asia by the Commonwealth Youth Programme, UK – a recognition of his stature at the global level.

His life teaches us that when vision is clear, the objective is society and the nation, and dedication is unwavering, then even the impossible can be achieved. He has proved that journalism is not merely a medium for news delivery—it is an instrument of social change; education is not just a means for acquiring knowledge—it is a tool for awakening the national consciousness; and institutions are not merely buildings—they are living centers of energy made vibrant by students, teachers, and researchers.

Many of his lectures remain a source of inspiration for students even today. He has emphasized time and again that empowering Indian languages is key to strengthening Indian democracy. His thought that positive news can bring about change as effectively as negative news is a guiding principle for journalism today.

The life of Dr. Suresh is evidence that through individual effort and perseverance, one can not only elevate oneself but also steer society and the nation in a new direction. The reforms and innovations he introduced in journalism, education, and communication will always be remembered. Today, when his disciples, colleagues, and the Indian media world recall his journey, it is not only a tribute to his work, but also a celebration of the inspiration he gave.

On his birthday, it is appropriate to say that every student, employee, and officer can learn from his life that discipline, integrity, dedication, and innovation—these four values are the foundation of true success. If we adopt these values in our lives, we will not only achieve personal growth but also contribute to the betterment of society and our institutions. Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh’s life is a living example of this noble ideal. Just as the 5th of September, the birth anniversary of the second President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, is celebrated as Teacher’s Day, in the same way the 26th of September, the birthday of Prof. (Dr.) K.G. Suresh, must be celebrated as National Media Education Day across the country, so that students everywhere may draw inspiration from his life and contributions.