Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday said newspapers should not be merely platforms of entertainment and gossip but contribute to the nation's intellectual vibrancy.

"They (the newspapers) cannot be mere platforms of entertainment and gossip. They cannot be purveyors of prejudice," Manmohan Singh said while addressing a gathering on the occasion of The Tribune newspaper's 125th anniversary here.

"They must serve a larger purpose. Above all, they must contribute to a nation's intellectual vibrancy," he said.

Pointing out that the media had a crucial role to play in shaping public opinion and attitudes, the prime minister said it should keep the readers in step with economic development. He wanted the media to reinforce liberal values.

Expressing shock over the sharp increase in female foeticide in Punjab, Manmohan Singh, who is on a two-day visit to the state said: "I was shocked to discover that there has been a sharp increase in female foeticide in Punjab. This is a blot on the name of a valiant and gallant people."

"The Punjabi is as proud of his son as he is of his daughter. Our daughters have contributed as much to the glory of Punjab as our sons. I hope the media will take up in a big way a campaign for gender empowerment, for the fair treatment of the fairer sex," he said.

The prime minister said there is need for a second green revolution in Punjab, which is considered as the country's granary. He urged the media to play a key role in developing the state as a strong industrial base in the northern region.

Emphasising the need for the country to progress on the intellectual front, Manmohan Singh said the knowledge commission, headed by technocrat Sam Pitroda, should be able to shape a new attitude.

"It (the commission) must also shape the new attitude of instilling greater curiosity in the minds of our children, of promoting liberal values, of reinforcing respect for the core values of our constitution and our republic," he said.

Manmohan Singh, who fondly remembered how he had been a "loyal reader" of The Tribune, said that seeing the newspaper at the doorstep every morning was an assurance that everything was well with the world.

"I have been a loyal reader of The Tribune all my life. It is now a habit that I see no reason to give up. Like my morning cup of tea and my morning walk, there is no better way of starting a day than getting your favourite newspaper. There is no better way of assuring oneself that all is well with the world than seeing your favourite newspaper at your doorstep every morning."