Questioning those in power is fundamental for the preservation of the nation, and the sign of a true democracy, President Pranab Mukherjee said on Thursday.

"The need to ask questions of those in power is fundamental for the preservation of our nation and of a truly democratic society," he said during a the second Ramnath Goenka Memorial Lecture. He urged journalists to continue this role. "Asking questions is good, asking questions is healthy, and in fact, is fundamental to the health of our democracy."

He asked journalists "not to take the path of least resistance", reported IANS, and also referred to how the social media can help and hamper media narratives. Stressing on journalists' role in democracy, he said it must hold the powers-that-be accountable.

"Press will be failing in its duty if it does not pose questions to powers that be," he said.

He also referred to fake news and the media's role in separating fact from fiction.

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