New Delhi, March 28 -- Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Friday underscored the foundational role of dialogue in a functioning democracy, declaring that discussion, debate, and even dissent must serve the national interest rather than fuel disruption. He made these remarks as Chief Guest at the 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards, held in New Delhi.

"It is through the rigorous exchange of ideas, the questioning of assumptions, and the respectful accommodation of differing viewpoints that policies are refined and decisions gain legitimacy," the Vice-President said. "I firmly believe that discussion, debate and even dissent should ultimately lead to decision making in the interest of the nation, rather tha...