India has won. It is a great victory that is what we heard after the 1st test match at Mohali. India’s Gold Medals rush at the Common Wealth games say the headlines of newspapers. TV channels also echoing this. Magnificent opening ceremony to the Common Wealth Games in Delhi! India and Indians won on the 30th of September 2010. No one seems to be celebrating that. WHY?
Yes the Ayodhya verdict. The litigants accepted the verdict without any show of emotions of either triumph or dismay. There was no gloating from BJP, VHP, RSS and the other usual suspects as we have been repeatedly told by the media since 1992. Nor was there any shrill cry from the other side. Some political parties like the SP of Mulayam Singh Yadav, RJD of Lalu Prasad Yadav, LJP of Ram Vilas Paswan have made noises in order to exploit the verdict, Congress has displayed its traditional wishy washy stance.
Indians by nature are emotional and expressive, more so when it is an emotive issue of religion. Collectively we have displayed extreme equanimity, grace and maturity. There has not been a single report of an untoward incident from across the length and breadth of the country, which is very unusual, yet a more than welcome change. A clarion call from the common man, move on, no more divisiveness. No more debating Secularism Vs Communalism.
The discordant note in all this is emanating from the messenger that is the main stream English media. The common refrain is do not shoot the messenger, in present case its role is highly suspect, there is a concerted and deliberate attempt being made to project the Allahabad High Court verdict as being seriously flawed by intent, to the detriment of the Muslim rights and community. Is the media competent to sit on judgment of the verdict? Is it its brief and in fitness of things? Why is it indulging and overreaching? What is the purpose of this explicit exercise of negating the verdict of the Hon Allahbad High Court, as also the message from the people of this country?
It leads us to believe that a gory blood bath on the streets of India was the expectations of the media and it is deeply disappointed that the average Indian has fooled all these journalists who were looking for a field day/days of mayhem and violence…so they could have continued their cry on “secularism in danger’ “majority mafia rule” “Islam in danger” and the usual attack. We should congratulate the average Indian that he has now the capability to decide what is best for him and not listen to the doomsayers.
The question that is uppermost in our minds is, why have the TV channels rummaged so deep into their moth balled trunks to bring out old relics who described the judgment disparagingly? Why are aspersions being cast on the Judges involved? There are many more questions that we seek and need answers to from the media for its unremitting negative role since the 30th of September 2010. One article a day in the print has been the norm since then, not one of these authors has presented to us a balanced view or a cogent basis, so that we may move from our present position, the judgment provides an opportunity to move forward, we do not wish the millstone to be round a neck anymore.
Castigating personalities, specific media channels, and publications is not the intent though it would satisfy temporarily; nor is the purpose to delve superficially or propound a theory which would not stand scrutiny of logic and be dismissed as fanciful flight of imagination of an individual. Indian is bemused he is finding it difficult to differentiate between the Jihadis and these “Secular fundamentalists.”
Why should we not examine the media as per the below mentioned criteria? Permit me to place before you the readers something significant which I came across recently.
“Are Businessmen Smarter Than Children?”
According to the research of Lawrence Kohlberg, children at around the age of ten progress to a higher level of moral understanding moving from consequence thinking to considering the intent behind the action.. I quote: At approximately the same time–10 or 11 years–children’s moral thinking undergoes other shifts. In particular, younger children base their moral judgments more on consequences, whereas older children base their judgments on intentions. When, for example, the young child hears about one boy who broke 15 cups trying to help his mother and another boy who broke only one cup trying to steal cookies, the young child thinks that the first boy did worse. The child primarily considers the amount of damage–the consequences–whereas the older child is more likely to judge wrongness in terms of the motives underlying the act (Piaget, 1932, p. 137).
There are six stages in Kohlberg’s theory:
1) Obedience and Punishment Orientation
2) Individualism and Exchange
3) Good Interpersonal Relationships
4) Maintaining the Social Order
5) Social Contract and Individual Rights
6) Universal Principles
For now we will ignore all other stages and focus on stage 4.
Level 4 thinking means a person begins to consider “society as whole” as a factor in moral decision making. Breaking the law, damaging the environment, treating people badly, acting in the interest of a foreign government or corporation or trading partner to the detriment of your own country, etc. are acts that damage society as a whole. A businessman willing to maximize profit at all costs with this level of moral development has to believe that the long term benefits of illegal and unethical actions will produce in the long term a better society or embrace simple villainy as a way of life.
It would be fitting for all of us to look deep into the motives that have driven the media to it current stance. Judgments maybe formed on independent basis as it would be grossly unfair on my part to enforce my views or opinions as per my perceptions. Yes media handling of the issue has left much to be desired. After all it is the fourth pillar of our vibrant democracy, given the extensive interactivity, need for restrained reaction cannot but be emphasized, propagation of a unidimensional picture is not in the larger interest of the Nation.
In conclusion, this was by far the most disgusting way of expressing oneself it appeared on twitter “Lord Ram A Divine Encroacher.” The author of this tweet is yet to issue an apology to us. Media is but a ‘Postman’ and not a party to the title suit hence obduracy displayed by it is misplaced and uncalled for.
Link to some of the article published from 1st Oct onwards.
1. Shaving grace?
2. "Are we not free yet?"
3. Could a better deal have been struck two decades ago?
4. "Full Tosss"
5. "No triumphalism"
Thank you Mr. James Pilant for permitting me to use material from your blog “Are Businessmen Smarter Than Children?”
Showing posts with label TOI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TOI. Show all posts
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Will the English Media yield to public pressure?
Mr.Mehta, is hallucinating Mr.Modi hates media, here we go again cause and effect Newton’s law is being forwarded by Mr. Vinod Mehta, No; this is not the correct reading of what Mr.Mehta is saying? There is a genuine complaint that Mr.Modi has not engaged or has been drawn into a slugfest with the media. Why should he? Does he have any chinks that need to be covered, have not been able to detect, he is not run of the mill corrupt inefficient yet another Chief Minister in India, who needs the media. Words are needed where action is weak or fails. Request Mr.Mehta for once to speak as a common Indian citizen without the accompanying halo of a journalist, which is the worst abuse today in India. The only perspective that individuals masquerading as journalists have is free drinks and food.
It is the guilt conscience that makes the offender perceive that he is wanted by the law, all the misplaced perception that you have, ostensibly which Mr.Modi exhibits towards the media are a manifestation of your conscience. Is it not a fact that as head of Gujarat state he must be impartial and also seen to be so, can we with any degree of conviction say the same for our mainstream English Media. The past 8 years it is the media which has been providing us with our daily fix of venomous diatribe which would put the deadliest Cobra, Viper and even the Boa constrictor to shame.
The decoding we take it at face value since it is coming from a very senior “Journalist”
02nd of April 2010 is indeed a watershed day for India not just the Congress, many in the print and electronic media have issued confessional statement on voluntary basis. Thank you we have noted the contents and the trend continues. Media is frustrated with its inability to carry out the execution after having condemned him in the Kangaroo court establish by Congress.
“Whether Modi was or was not the mastermind of the “genocide”,
“mass murder”, “carnage” has, in a sense, become a side-issue. What we have on display is a catch-me-if-you-can game and Byzantine legalese. Even after his 10-hour questioning by the SIT, he appears only marginally disadvantaged. Let me quickly add that I am totally with the sainted Teesta Setalvad, Rajdeep Sardesai, Arnab Goswami (although I am not entirely sure which side he is on!), Barkha Dutt and Siddharth Varadarajan, but at this moment Mr Modi seems to have the better of the hacks.”
Is this the confirmation that it is all about politics; the quest for justice is a convenient smoke screen. The idiom of US vs THEM being played out in full public glare with blatant disregards for professional ethics, the head must be delivered on a platter to the paymasters.
Permit me as a mango man (Aam Adami) of this country to state that we refuse to be converted into brain dead zombies. Which the individuals named by you have been attempting for the past 8 years. Alcoholics can seek refuge and assistance of the alcoholic anonymous. Unfortunately we have not been able to establish a separate institution for Modi fixated addicts.
The convoluted statements and eye witness accounts are just about beginning to unravel under their own weight; this is one such link
http://indiatoday.in…ghts.html?complete=1
your covert admiration for Modi may soon translate into a very overt act. The affect of 2 blogs and placing in public domain, the speech of Feb 2002 in the Gujarat Assembly, along with the appeals for calm made on doordarshan seem to have had the desired effect in 2010 if not in 2002. Has the Lion begun to roar again? Shall wait to see who is the last man standing in this sordid saga?
Finally if justice is what you seek, which is doubtful, then we would need to be convinced of your impartiality, the 26years long marathon being run to avoid the clutchs of law by Sajjan Kumar, Jagdish Tytler and Congress party must receive the undiluted attention that has been pointedly avoided by your saints and evangelists.
It is the guilt conscience that makes the offender perceive that he is wanted by the law, all the misplaced perception that you have, ostensibly which Mr.Modi exhibits towards the media are a manifestation of your conscience. Is it not a fact that as head of Gujarat state he must be impartial and also seen to be so, can we with any degree of conviction say the same for our mainstream English Media. The past 8 years it is the media which has been providing us with our daily fix of venomous diatribe which would put the deadliest Cobra, Viper and even the Boa constrictor to shame.
The decoding we take it at face value since it is coming from a very senior “Journalist”
02nd of April 2010 is indeed a watershed day for India not just the Congress, many in the print and electronic media have issued confessional statement on voluntary basis. Thank you we have noted the contents and the trend continues. Media is frustrated with its inability to carry out the execution after having condemned him in the Kangaroo court establish by Congress.
“Whether Modi was or was not the mastermind of the “genocide”,
“mass murder”, “carnage” has, in a sense, become a side-issue. What we have on display is a catch-me-if-you-can game and Byzantine legalese. Even after his 10-hour questioning by the SIT, he appears only marginally disadvantaged. Let me quickly add that I am totally with the sainted Teesta Setalvad, Rajdeep Sardesai, Arnab Goswami (although I am not entirely sure which side he is on!), Barkha Dutt and Siddharth Varadarajan, but at this moment Mr Modi seems to have the better of the hacks.”
Is this the confirmation that it is all about politics; the quest for justice is a convenient smoke screen. The idiom of US vs THEM being played out in full public glare with blatant disregards for professional ethics, the head must be delivered on a platter to the paymasters.
Permit me as a mango man (Aam Adami) of this country to state that we refuse to be converted into brain dead zombies. Which the individuals named by you have been attempting for the past 8 years. Alcoholics can seek refuge and assistance of the alcoholic anonymous. Unfortunately we have not been able to establish a separate institution for Modi fixated addicts.
The convoluted statements and eye witness accounts are just about beginning to unravel under their own weight; this is one such link
http://indiatoday.in…ghts.html?complete=1
your covert admiration for Modi may soon translate into a very overt act. The affect of 2 blogs and placing in public domain, the speech of Feb 2002 in the Gujarat Assembly, along with the appeals for calm made on doordarshan seem to have had the desired effect in 2010 if not in 2002. Has the Lion begun to roar again? Shall wait to see who is the last man standing in this sordid saga?
Finally if justice is what you seek, which is doubtful, then we would need to be convinced of your impartiality, the 26years long marathon being run to avoid the clutchs of law by Sajjan Kumar, Jagdish Tytler and Congress party must receive the undiluted attention that has been pointedly avoided by your saints and evangelists.
Friday, April 2, 2010
“FACE THE NATION” it is your turn.
This is in response to “Face the nation” by Rajdeep Sardesai 01st April 2010
Confession of a neo mullah of secularism! This is the day of confessions and damage control. All publications are carrying stories and articles backtracking from the rabid communalism that they have been practicing in the garb of secularism. What is the reason? That we are witness to this change of heart!
1. Mr. Modi’s appearance before SIT, breaking his silence after 8 long years.
2. Blog by Mr. Modi, his speech in the Gujarat assembly in Feb 2002 and all the appeals made by him on DoorDarshan which are now in public domain. The media had not mentioned this fact for last 8 years.
3. Refusal by Mr. Bachchan to join issue with congress and his maintaining a dignified silence in the face of extreme uncalled for provocation.
4. Realisation by the Congress that in the event of any SIT being established for past or future misdeeds it would not be able to avoid appearing before it.
5. Public outrage at the conduct of the Congress Party and mainstream English Media.
Manish Tiwari will no longer froth at the mouth on mere mentioning the names Bachchan or Modi. The public at large has delivered its message loud and clear pygmies cannot take on the colossus’ Bachchan and Modi. Watching news on TV might just have turned the corner, may become pleasurable once again. News might not get distorted into propaganda for a political party and its first family.
Now let us examine this self confessed secularist who has been preaching communalism for past 8 years, without facts or basis, he and his ilk have polarized the society with such speed and to an extreme that even most accomplished communalist has been wonderstruck and rendered unemployed.
Rajdeep Sardesai the people of this country including me want justice for 2002, just as we want justice for 1984,1993 and many other gory events before and after 2002 that make our stomachs churn. Your singular focus and freezing of Gujarat in a time machine dated 28th Feb 2002 is unacceptable. The outcry from the public is for even handed treatment, which you twisted to make it appear as pro or anti Modi. We are also witness to the 26years marathon being run by Sajjan Kumar, Jagdish Tytler and the Congress party to somehow avoid the clutches of the law. The 3000 innocent Indians who were killed on the streets of Delhi are entitled to justice and the media shall have to get equally active on that. Gujarat of 2002 has to be taken out of that deep freezer where you and other self confessed guardian of secularism have placed it. You not just targeted a state in India, a duly elected head of the State of Gujarat; you insulted the people of India who raised their voices against your biased and motivated reporting. Your lack of ethics in the vocation of your choice, partisan treatment, arrogance and inability to take onboard different viewpoints resulted in dropping of rating for your news channel. Today you stand discredited before the Indian public. Comparing your channel to BBC will not bestow any honor or respect.
You still have much more distance to travel, it is going to be a very hard lesson for you and your channel, this lesson will have to be learnt, the bitter pill will have to be swallowed or you shall be permanently rendered irrelevant in the industry of your choice. For far too long you have spewed venom at individuals not deserving this treatment. The victim hood that you allude to is a figment of your imagination. The 4th pillar of Indian democracy has been corrupted! Fresh steel needs to be infused so that they ensure that the governments perform in this country. Watch dogs of democracy cannot be transformed into pet poodles of the political party in power. Kangroo courts established by the congress cannot be manned by their publicists who masquerade as Media houses.
Rule of law shall prevail in this country! The final judgment shall be delivered by the duly constituted courts and not by another political party or the motivated media. Awards you may gather, nominations you may get, respectability as a professional you will have to earn, for that cannot be bestowed by the political party of your choice. In the final analysis it is us the public who will deliver the verdict on the credibility of the publication or the TV channel. Your hour of reckoning is here very apt heading “FACE THE NATION” it is your turn.
Confession of a neo mullah of secularism! This is the day of confessions and damage control. All publications are carrying stories and articles backtracking from the rabid communalism that they have been practicing in the garb of secularism. What is the reason? That we are witness to this change of heart!
1. Mr. Modi’s appearance before SIT, breaking his silence after 8 long years.
2. Blog by Mr. Modi, his speech in the Gujarat assembly in Feb 2002 and all the appeals made by him on DoorDarshan which are now in public domain. The media had not mentioned this fact for last 8 years.
3. Refusal by Mr. Bachchan to join issue with congress and his maintaining a dignified silence in the face of extreme uncalled for provocation.
4. Realisation by the Congress that in the event of any SIT being established for past or future misdeeds it would not be able to avoid appearing before it.
5. Public outrage at the conduct of the Congress Party and mainstream English Media.
Manish Tiwari will no longer froth at the mouth on mere mentioning the names Bachchan or Modi. The public at large has delivered its message loud and clear pygmies cannot take on the colossus’ Bachchan and Modi. Watching news on TV might just have turned the corner, may become pleasurable once again. News might not get distorted into propaganda for a political party and its first family.
Now let us examine this self confessed secularist who has been preaching communalism for past 8 years, without facts or basis, he and his ilk have polarized the society with such speed and to an extreme that even most accomplished communalist has been wonderstruck and rendered unemployed.
Rajdeep Sardesai the people of this country including me want justice for 2002, just as we want justice for 1984,1993 and many other gory events before and after 2002 that make our stomachs churn. Your singular focus and freezing of Gujarat in a time machine dated 28th Feb 2002 is unacceptable. The outcry from the public is for even handed treatment, which you twisted to make it appear as pro or anti Modi. We are also witness to the 26years marathon being run by Sajjan Kumar, Jagdish Tytler and the Congress party to somehow avoid the clutches of the law. The 3000 innocent Indians who were killed on the streets of Delhi are entitled to justice and the media shall have to get equally active on that. Gujarat of 2002 has to be taken out of that deep freezer where you and other self confessed guardian of secularism have placed it. You not just targeted a state in India, a duly elected head of the State of Gujarat; you insulted the people of India who raised their voices against your biased and motivated reporting. Your lack of ethics in the vocation of your choice, partisan treatment, arrogance and inability to take onboard different viewpoints resulted in dropping of rating for your news channel. Today you stand discredited before the Indian public. Comparing your channel to BBC will not bestow any honor or respect.
You still have much more distance to travel, it is going to be a very hard lesson for you and your channel, this lesson will have to be learnt, the bitter pill will have to be swallowed or you shall be permanently rendered irrelevant in the industry of your choice. For far too long you have spewed venom at individuals not deserving this treatment. The victim hood that you allude to is a figment of your imagination. The 4th pillar of Indian democracy has been corrupted! Fresh steel needs to be infused so that they ensure that the governments perform in this country. Watch dogs of democracy cannot be transformed into pet poodles of the political party in power. Kangroo courts established by the congress cannot be manned by their publicists who masquerade as Media houses.
Rule of law shall prevail in this country! The final judgment shall be delivered by the duly constituted courts and not by another political party or the motivated media. Awards you may gather, nominations you may get, respectability as a professional you will have to earn, for that cannot be bestowed by the political party of your choice. In the final analysis it is us the public who will deliver the verdict on the credibility of the publication or the TV channel. Your hour of reckoning is here very apt heading “FACE THE NATION” it is your turn.
Day of confessions and damage control by Congress and the Media
This is in response to “It’s a two-way street” by Anil Dharkar 01st April Hindustan Times.
Two articles on the same day! This is a shift in tack from the Congress friendly media. Having reaped the whirlpool by sowing the winds!
The needless attack on the Bachchans, the over the top and shrill reporting on Modi's appearance or lack of it on the 21st March, left the media, the Congress party red faced and bloodied nose. The netizens made their emotions known to all and sundry what was acceptable and conversely what was deplorable and repugnant to them.
A hasty retreat! An equally pathetic attempt, at rehabilitating their political paymaster by Hindustan Times. Vir Sanghvi, Pankaj Vohra and Vinod Sharma have lost their credibilty in the eyes of the public, in comes Anil Dharkar and Rajdeep Sardesai. Sorry Mr Dharkar you are the looser in this attempt.
Sonia Gandhi is nothing more than the glue that binds the Congress party. You demean Indians by placing all the credit at her feet. "She did so from a sense of duty to save the Congress from the oblivion it was hurtling to under the ‘leadership’ of the likes of Sitaram Kesri and Arjun Singh, Sharad Pawar and N.D. Tiwari." this party without this glue will fragment into pieces that we will find difficult to count.
“The poor of India weren’t put off by her foreign identity because they saw that she had embraced an Indian one: in clothes, in deportment, in language and in family values.” Were sold a dummy by the congress friendly media the misuse of the name “Gandhi” As always fiction of a better tomorrow made it possible to win elections, the hard facts are before the poor of this nation, who have multiplied under the Congress Governments, the poor will deal the telling blow in the near future.
Please do ponder if People of Indian Origin living overseas crave and work for a better India and we very proudly claim that India lives in their hearts. Why is it not acceptable that the country of origin of the Congress president lives in that heart, why should we accept, that this is an exception to the same logic and rule. This is where the educated made the distinction and that is why the acceptance was not and is still not forthcoming.
The question that you must answer to all of us "Are we going to lead a life of perpetual indebtedness to the Nehru Clan?" Have we not already paid a heavy price for allowing this family to be the sole arbiters of the destiny of our country? Is Indian freedom struggle only about Nehru? Were there no other persons who sacrificed or participated in the struggle for attaining freedom? Lastly the most important question that we all must ask ourselves for how long will we hand out the top job of this country to this clan on compassionate grounds. Ignoring more deserving, and meritorious individuals! Congress is nothing but a family run enterprise similar to the regional parties where the top job is always held by it promoter. The only difference is that it is playing at the national level as against other being mostly restricted to their states.
Two articles on the same day! This is a shift in tack from the Congress friendly media. Having reaped the whirlpool by sowing the winds!
The needless attack on the Bachchans, the over the top and shrill reporting on Modi's appearance or lack of it on the 21st March, left the media, the Congress party red faced and bloodied nose. The netizens made their emotions known to all and sundry what was acceptable and conversely what was deplorable and repugnant to them.
A hasty retreat! An equally pathetic attempt, at rehabilitating their political paymaster by Hindustan Times. Vir Sanghvi, Pankaj Vohra and Vinod Sharma have lost their credibilty in the eyes of the public, in comes Anil Dharkar and Rajdeep Sardesai. Sorry Mr Dharkar you are the looser in this attempt.
Sonia Gandhi is nothing more than the glue that binds the Congress party. You demean Indians by placing all the credit at her feet. "She did so from a sense of duty to save the Congress from the oblivion it was hurtling to under the ‘leadership’ of the likes of Sitaram Kesri and Arjun Singh, Sharad Pawar and N.D. Tiwari." this party without this glue will fragment into pieces that we will find difficult to count.
“The poor of India weren’t put off by her foreign identity because they saw that she had embraced an Indian one: in clothes, in deportment, in language and in family values.” Were sold a dummy by the congress friendly media the misuse of the name “Gandhi” As always fiction of a better tomorrow made it possible to win elections, the hard facts are before the poor of this nation, who have multiplied under the Congress Governments, the poor will deal the telling blow in the near future.
Please do ponder if People of Indian Origin living overseas crave and work for a better India and we very proudly claim that India lives in their hearts. Why is it not acceptable that the country of origin of the Congress president lives in that heart, why should we accept, that this is an exception to the same logic and rule. This is where the educated made the distinction and that is why the acceptance was not and is still not forthcoming.
The question that you must answer to all of us "Are we going to lead a life of perpetual indebtedness to the Nehru Clan?" Have we not already paid a heavy price for allowing this family to be the sole arbiters of the destiny of our country? Is Indian freedom struggle only about Nehru? Were there no other persons who sacrificed or participated in the struggle for attaining freedom? Lastly the most important question that we all must ask ourselves for how long will we hand out the top job of this country to this clan on compassionate grounds. Ignoring more deserving, and meritorious individuals! Congress is nothing but a family run enterprise similar to the regional parties where the top job is always held by it promoter. The only difference is that it is playing at the national level as against other being mostly restricted to their states.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Partisan Media Part 2
Ironic yet true of our time, in India today we have the extreme secularists and the extreme fundamentalists both striving to achieve a common goal.
This is a candid admission by Rajdeep Sardesai, who does not have the required skill in his own words “Unfortunately, since I didn’t go to journalism school (or perhaps because I didn’t)” yet masquerades as a journalist. Little wonder that he does not comprehend the importance of ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting, there is also a tinge of envy, perhaps he perceives himself to be a better option than Sarah Palin, his record is impeccable on this score.
Absence of an equivalence of Fox News in India is a state of mind of simultaneous illusion and delusion. There is no dearth in India, of channels and individuals in this mould, who are capable of giving Fox News a run for its money, these channels and individuals suffer no qualms about ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ view, since their raison d’ etre is uni-view. They spew venom and hatred at their designated targets 24 X 7, these species unearth grist in the most mundane, the non existent, in order to remain relevant in their own minds.
This is a specious argument being forwarded about the electronic media in India, yes we do have the representatives of different view points for any given debate, it is also a given that one of them does not get the same treatment as the others, the targeted view point holder will face umpteen number of interruptions from the moderator and the other panelists, besides being hampered in placing his/her viewpoint across, time given would be much lesser than others, provocative questions directed, plus an equally hostile audience who lack first hand knowledge and experience or the event being well before their attaining age when the complexities of the real world are visible or comprehensible.
Imagine the response of 20 to 25years age group present in a studio or a forum where 1984 event is discussed, this audience has no first hand knowledge on account of the age yet they will be able to relate readily with 2002 event, this is a sure way of targeting the guest who may have been invited to place his point of view on 1984 events, this panelist will be constantly denigrated with 2002 as the base year, rather than stay focused on the event for which the discussion was earmarked, it would be conveniently diverted to 2002. Touché the result is achieved without actually having to work hard and the main subject is relegated to sidelines.
The next is the labeling of the incident 1984 is referred to as Anti-Sikh riots, while 2002 is referred to as genocide. Falsification is complete and total. There is no history or any prior record in India of any animosity or rioting between the Hindu and the Sikh community. The new term is coined to provide a modicum of a fig leaf to a favorite interested party, similarly without placing complete facts before the audience 2002 is labeled as genocide, ignoring the long history of riots and the number of deaths that both the communities may have suffered. The above examples are not being used to condone, reach zero total by negating one against the other.
Both incidents were reprehensible and should never have happened in this country. The reference to these painful events has been made to highlight the active role of the media, which enhances the polarity in the society, often extending it beyond repair. The dictum of ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting is paramount we have repeatedly witnessed the failure of the electronic media to live up to it.
Then there are individuals who are self appointed conscious keepers of the nations, and do not wish to provide the most minor margin for a re-think or a fresh approach, so that a long pending dispute be resolved, or be attempted to be resolved by way of new approach. This is done by constantly point a finger and addressing that section in most derogatory terms, the tone and tenor that the accuser displays is shocking, since this individual far exceeds the limits that the accused actually employs. The cause is the individuals heightened sense of insecurity. He would become irrelevant, should the two protagonists reach mid point and proceed to resolve the intractable issue.
Our existence would become monotonous. The divergent views are the essence of a vibrant democracy. The polarity in public debate is exacerbated by the actions of the electronic media, and the journalists, who are here on a mission often morphing into evangelic persona, are more strident than the votaries of a particular viewpoint or cause. The predictability of all participants is to be expected, the disturbing fact is the moderator who overtly take a position to accentuate the differences in view points for TRPs and eyeballs. This is demeaning, and influencing the general public to a great extent. The free hand at this practice has lowered the threshold of tolerance among Indians. The younger generation will get cynical if not violent towards a contrarian view.
While one would not disagree with Rajdeep Sardesai on the below mentioned.
“The more direct, extreme view is celebrated because it leads to, let’s be honest, a ‘big fight’. As someone who has ‘moderated’ many such ‘fights’, let me say that the experience has been mostly enjoyable.” Arun Jaitley from the BJP and a Kapil Sibal from the Congress. So, if you have a rightwing voice who believes that Hindutva is the core of Indian nationalism, you must have a left-liberal view that is convinced that Hindutva is a communal platform. Better still, why can’t we have both Mr.Chidambaram and author-activist Arundhati Roy on the same programme on Naxalism? It would certainly make for fascinating television.
The most appropriate illustration of “Age of Extreme” is of the two 37 years old Indians. One whose records and deeds are in the public domain for the last 20years and counting, he has reached where none have, not just from India, the world over in his chosen field. The clamor for bestowing the Bharat Ratna is growing. This individual is truly the Ratna of our Bharat. He exemplifies everything that one would seek in an individual, the true extreme. The other is projected as the true icon of the youth the Bharat Ratna, his achievement of the last 20years are opaque, all that is known is the name and lineage. He is the messiah 2014 panacea for all that ails India. This is the other extreme.
The practitioners of extreme from the media cannot seek to be absolved on the basis of self applied blindfolds ala Gandhari. The ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting is inescapable.
This is in response to Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai's The age of extremes 1st March 2010 in the Hindustan Times.
This is a candid admission by Rajdeep Sardesai, who does not have the required skill in his own words “Unfortunately, since I didn’t go to journalism school (or perhaps because I didn’t)” yet masquerades as a journalist. Little wonder that he does not comprehend the importance of ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting, there is also a tinge of envy, perhaps he perceives himself to be a better option than Sarah Palin, his record is impeccable on this score.
Absence of an equivalence of Fox News in India is a state of mind of simultaneous illusion and delusion. There is no dearth in India, of channels and individuals in this mould, who are capable of giving Fox News a run for its money, these channels and individuals suffer no qualms about ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ view, since their raison d’ etre is uni-view. They spew venom and hatred at their designated targets 24 X 7, these species unearth grist in the most mundane, the non existent, in order to remain relevant in their own minds.
This is a specious argument being forwarded about the electronic media in India, yes we do have the representatives of different view points for any given debate, it is also a given that one of them does not get the same treatment as the others, the targeted view point holder will face umpteen number of interruptions from the moderator and the other panelists, besides being hampered in placing his/her viewpoint across, time given would be much lesser than others, provocative questions directed, plus an equally hostile audience who lack first hand knowledge and experience or the event being well before their attaining age when the complexities of the real world are visible or comprehensible.
Imagine the response of 20 to 25years age group present in a studio or a forum where 1984 event is discussed, this audience has no first hand knowledge on account of the age yet they will be able to relate readily with 2002 event, this is a sure way of targeting the guest who may have been invited to place his point of view on 1984 events, this panelist will be constantly denigrated with 2002 as the base year, rather than stay focused on the event for which the discussion was earmarked, it would be conveniently diverted to 2002. Touché the result is achieved without actually having to work hard and the main subject is relegated to sidelines.
The next is the labeling of the incident 1984 is referred to as Anti-Sikh riots, while 2002 is referred to as genocide. Falsification is complete and total. There is no history or any prior record in India of any animosity or rioting between the Hindu and the Sikh community. The new term is coined to provide a modicum of a fig leaf to a favorite interested party, similarly without placing complete facts before the audience 2002 is labeled as genocide, ignoring the long history of riots and the number of deaths that both the communities may have suffered. The above examples are not being used to condone, reach zero total by negating one against the other.
Both incidents were reprehensible and should never have happened in this country. The reference to these painful events has been made to highlight the active role of the media, which enhances the polarity in the society, often extending it beyond repair. The dictum of ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting is paramount we have repeatedly witnessed the failure of the electronic media to live up to it.
Then there are individuals who are self appointed conscious keepers of the nations, and do not wish to provide the most minor margin for a re-think or a fresh approach, so that a long pending dispute be resolved, or be attempted to be resolved by way of new approach. This is done by constantly point a finger and addressing that section in most derogatory terms, the tone and tenor that the accuser displays is shocking, since this individual far exceeds the limits that the accused actually employs. The cause is the individuals heightened sense of insecurity. He would become irrelevant, should the two protagonists reach mid point and proceed to resolve the intractable issue.
Our existence would become monotonous. The divergent views are the essence of a vibrant democracy. The polarity in public debate is exacerbated by the actions of the electronic media, and the journalists, who are here on a mission often morphing into evangelic persona, are more strident than the votaries of a particular viewpoint or cause. The predictability of all participants is to be expected, the disturbing fact is the moderator who overtly take a position to accentuate the differences in view points for TRPs and eyeballs. This is demeaning, and influencing the general public to a great extent. The free hand at this practice has lowered the threshold of tolerance among Indians. The younger generation will get cynical if not violent towards a contrarian view.
While one would not disagree with Rajdeep Sardesai on the below mentioned.
“The more direct, extreme view is celebrated because it leads to, let’s be honest, a ‘big fight’. As someone who has ‘moderated’ many such ‘fights’, let me say that the experience has been mostly enjoyable.” Arun Jaitley from the BJP and a Kapil Sibal from the Congress. So, if you have a rightwing voice who believes that Hindutva is the core of Indian nationalism, you must have a left-liberal view that is convinced that Hindutva is a communal platform. Better still, why can’t we have both Mr.Chidambaram and author-activist Arundhati Roy on the same programme on Naxalism? It would certainly make for fascinating television.
The most appropriate illustration of “Age of Extreme” is of the two 37 years old Indians. One whose records and deeds are in the public domain for the last 20years and counting, he has reached where none have, not just from India, the world over in his chosen field. The clamor for bestowing the Bharat Ratna is growing. This individual is truly the Ratna of our Bharat. He exemplifies everything that one would seek in an individual, the true extreme. The other is projected as the true icon of the youth the Bharat Ratna, his achievement of the last 20years are opaque, all that is known is the name and lineage. He is the messiah 2014 panacea for all that ails India. This is the other extreme.
The practitioners of extreme from the media cannot seek to be absolved on the basis of self applied blindfolds ala Gandhari. The ‘fair’ and ‘balanced’ reporting is inescapable.
This is in response to Mr. Rajdeep Sardesai's The age of extremes 1st March 2010 in the Hindustan Times.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Partisan Media
There is nothing more sacrosanct in a democratic process than the right to dissent and disagree. Walkout by the entire opposition is a matter of grave concern, nearly half of the MP’s in the Lok Sabha do not agree with the proposed policy of the Government. Why is the media projecting the trivial at the cost of substance?
Inexplicable, incessant natter in the electronic medium since last afternoon, followed by the print media this morning. Indian Express has gone to the extent of terming the walkout by the opposition parties as “Unparliamentary!”
Why is the media insisting that the authority of the Government should be unquestioningly accepted by the opposition parties? Is it not true that we need to be ceaselessly curious, raise rational inquiries and questions? As the situation evolve.
Would it not be in the interest of the Aam Aadmi if this increase in petrol and diesel prices is withdrawn? There is reason for optimism since the constituents of the UPA have also made the same demand, the media would have got a bloodied nose should this happen.
Agreed union budget is an occasion of great ceremony. No walkout! Where is it ordained? If Mr. Arun Jaitely is to be believed Congress party performed the very same act in the Gujarat Assembly while the budget speech was being delivered. Why has the media been silent on that count?
“On Friday, the opposition undermined Parliament by choosing to walkout almost to the last MP.” Press cannot dictate how the political parties must conduct their affairs in the Parliament. Would the Editor much rather have the din and the ruckus inside the Parliament, thereby hindering the speech and presentation of the union budget. How has opposition undermined the Parliament? The debate is yet to commence.
Have we not seen every year, all and sundry issue their customary statement as they come out of the Parliament on conclusion of the budget speech, it would be incorrect to assume that the full text of Budget would have been made available to them and they would also perused the same before exiting the Parliament.
“We had the oddest sight of Lok Sabha MPs feeding the waiting camera crews outside with denunciations of the proposal without obtaining the full text of the Budget.” The layman would view this with sufficient and more suspicion that the Editor is attempting to denigrate the opposition parties on frivolous grounds.
Mr Shekar Gupta goes on to level further allegations.
“It marks the flight of responsible engagement from the House.”
“It is not just that a show of opposition unity by walkout displays a lack of imagination and stamina to use the instruments of legislature to hold a government to account.”
“The walkout was another step in the gradual erosion of the House as a site for meaningful and responsive engagement.”
Was Mr. Gupta not in the country when just a day before there was a debate in both houses on the price rise issue? Was the media not questioning the opposition and accusing it of stalling the Parliament by insisting the debate be held under specific rule(s) which entailed mandatory voting. The Government did not accede to that demand, the opposition agreed to hold the debate as per the wishes of the Government.
Why is the Media deliberately attempting to portray the opposition in the negative? Media must discharge it responsibilities in an apolitical, impartial, and visibly unbiased manner.
“It is also that it confirms a suspicion that MPs see the legislature as little more than a site to numerically test a government’s majority.”
This is the hard reality, politics today has been reduced to a game of numbers and the media is an important tool employed by the parties to achieve this end.
There is another serious issue that needs to be spoken about. Is the opposition equivalent of a second class citizenship? If not then why is no respect for these parties forth coming from the media? Why is the media attempting to convert a healthy vibrant democracy into an authoritarian rule by a single party?
Often I am questioned by my son, why do we hold the police and the paramilitary forces accountable for Human Right Violations? Not the criminals and terrorists. My refrain to him has been constant, that those entrusted with upholding and enforcing the law are answerable for any excesses committed. Naturally he is bewildered as to why the media is then focusing on the opposition? Instead of the failings of government! When the responsibility of governance is squarely with it?
What we have been witnessing for over the past 6 years or so is, the Media has been busy reinventing the wheel.
They do not want to question the actions of the Government instead they question the democratic rights of the parties in opposition. The acts of omission and commission by the government are being glossed over, while highlighting the most inconsequential utterance, act or an event of the opposition parties.
The Editors of the media across the board are biased and are trying their best to foist undeserving, ill equipped, least qualified individuals for the top job of the country.
The question that these editors need to answer to themselves, as they would never respond to the public in this regards is. Are all of them holding their positions on account of their Talent? Experience? Qualifications? In a nutshell Merit? Compassion? Patronage? Or, as an Inheritance?
I am positive they will all take a very serious offence to any suggestion other than Merit. All these worthies would proudly display their detailed resumes, achievements and awards. Then why is it that they fail to apply the same exacting standards, to the aspirants for the top job of India.
Why are they deliberately exerting undue pressure on us to influence our minds, why do they want to dull our senses and ability to seek answers from those who aspire for the highest office in India! What is that makes all of them deaf, mute and blind? Is it the constant whirring of adding machines, clinking of the silver pieces or the glint of Gold or is it the glare of the Son/Sun?
Inexplicable, incessant natter in the electronic medium since last afternoon, followed by the print media this morning. Indian Express has gone to the extent of terming the walkout by the opposition parties as “Unparliamentary!”
Why is the media insisting that the authority of the Government should be unquestioningly accepted by the opposition parties? Is it not true that we need to be ceaselessly curious, raise rational inquiries and questions? As the situation evolve.
Would it not be in the interest of the Aam Aadmi if this increase in petrol and diesel prices is withdrawn? There is reason for optimism since the constituents of the UPA have also made the same demand, the media would have got a bloodied nose should this happen.
Agreed union budget is an occasion of great ceremony. No walkout! Where is it ordained? If Mr. Arun Jaitely is to be believed Congress party performed the very same act in the Gujarat Assembly while the budget speech was being delivered. Why has the media been silent on that count?
“On Friday, the opposition undermined Parliament by choosing to walkout almost to the last MP.” Press cannot dictate how the political parties must conduct their affairs in the Parliament. Would the Editor much rather have the din and the ruckus inside the Parliament, thereby hindering the speech and presentation of the union budget. How has opposition undermined the Parliament? The debate is yet to commence.
Have we not seen every year, all and sundry issue their customary statement as they come out of the Parliament on conclusion of the budget speech, it would be incorrect to assume that the full text of Budget would have been made available to them and they would also perused the same before exiting the Parliament.
“We had the oddest sight of Lok Sabha MPs feeding the waiting camera crews outside with denunciations of the proposal without obtaining the full text of the Budget.” The layman would view this with sufficient and more suspicion that the Editor is attempting to denigrate the opposition parties on frivolous grounds.
Mr Shekar Gupta goes on to level further allegations.
“It marks the flight of responsible engagement from the House.”
“It is not just that a show of opposition unity by walkout displays a lack of imagination and stamina to use the instruments of legislature to hold a government to account.”
“The walkout was another step in the gradual erosion of the House as a site for meaningful and responsive engagement.”
Was Mr. Gupta not in the country when just a day before there was a debate in both houses on the price rise issue? Was the media not questioning the opposition and accusing it of stalling the Parliament by insisting the debate be held under specific rule(s) which entailed mandatory voting. The Government did not accede to that demand, the opposition agreed to hold the debate as per the wishes of the Government.
Why is the Media deliberately attempting to portray the opposition in the negative? Media must discharge it responsibilities in an apolitical, impartial, and visibly unbiased manner.
“It is also that it confirms a suspicion that MPs see the legislature as little more than a site to numerically test a government’s majority.”
This is the hard reality, politics today has been reduced to a game of numbers and the media is an important tool employed by the parties to achieve this end.
There is another serious issue that needs to be spoken about. Is the opposition equivalent of a second class citizenship? If not then why is no respect for these parties forth coming from the media? Why is the media attempting to convert a healthy vibrant democracy into an authoritarian rule by a single party?
Often I am questioned by my son, why do we hold the police and the paramilitary forces accountable for Human Right Violations? Not the criminals and terrorists. My refrain to him has been constant, that those entrusted with upholding and enforcing the law are answerable for any excesses committed. Naturally he is bewildered as to why the media is then focusing on the opposition? Instead of the failings of government! When the responsibility of governance is squarely with it?
What we have been witnessing for over the past 6 years or so is, the Media has been busy reinventing the wheel.
They do not want to question the actions of the Government instead they question the democratic rights of the parties in opposition. The acts of omission and commission by the government are being glossed over, while highlighting the most inconsequential utterance, act or an event of the opposition parties.
The Editors of the media across the board are biased and are trying their best to foist undeserving, ill equipped, least qualified individuals for the top job of the country.
The question that these editors need to answer to themselves, as they would never respond to the public in this regards is. Are all of them holding their positions on account of their Talent? Experience? Qualifications? In a nutshell Merit? Compassion? Patronage? Or, as an Inheritance?
I am positive they will all take a very serious offence to any suggestion other than Merit. All these worthies would proudly display their detailed resumes, achievements and awards. Then why is it that they fail to apply the same exacting standards, to the aspirants for the top job of India.
Why are they deliberately exerting undue pressure on us to influence our minds, why do they want to dull our senses and ability to seek answers from those who aspire for the highest office in India! What is that makes all of them deaf, mute and blind? Is it the constant whirring of adding machines, clinking of the silver pieces or the glint of Gold or is it the glare of the Son/Sun?
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
“Chhodo kal ki baatein Part 2
The discourse in the media for past few days in particular is disturbing and distressing. There are sections of the media, who are willingly and pointedly attempting to provoke a sharp response from a political party, which has not obliged the provocateur. However it has indeed incensed the common man who is voicing his concern at what these individuals and houses are indulging in. Unity of this country is at stake, public tranquility is at stake, these self appointed caretakers in the garb of secularism are practicing the opposite.
Last 62 years of Indian history have been turbulent internally at times violent. Leading to mass murders! 1984 was an unprovoked attack on innocent Indians for the act of 2 individuals the entire community was made the target. 26 years on justice still eludes the victims. 2002 is yet another reprehensible incident in the history of India. These should never have happened. Were the administrations of the day complicit?
There are many more, yet these two suffice to highlight the present day discourse, not just between political parties/formations, the media, and the general public at large.
If we are to believe a section media then it is only 2002. 1984 did not happen.
The purpose of writing today is larger. It is not to discuss the above two incidents as they have been discussed adnauseam. As the literacy grows in India, the reach and impact of the media increases manifolds, the message is carried directly to homes in rural India. There is a growing need and demand for an impartial, unbiased and apolitical mainstream media. This demand is coming from the ordinary citizen of this country whose sensibilities are being exposed to violence 24 X 7. This verbal violence is affecting the future generation much more than the older. We see how the trivial trumps the important, the breaking news and the exclusive news culture, how journalists masquerade their political biases as profound analysis, years of hard study, yet without any supporting indices. How sensation is packaged as substantive news. Government has the opposition and the media to keep it in check. Who is going to regulate the media which shapes opinions but has now acquired the taste of money and gone berserk? To say the least.
Is there a cure for the hubris and the avarice among the editors of top media houses in the country? Like the politicians and the babus, the journalists are now burdened with the credibility crisis. This is a very serious issue, the impact is long term, and neither can the gravity be underestimated.
We are fortunate, that we have WWW which is an empowering and an extremely enabling tool, were it not for this, our opinions and views would be perpetual hostages to the neo mullahs and pundits of the print and electronic media.
This piece is focused on Mr.Vinod Sharma of Hindustan Times, whose preoccupation with BJP seems more as an obsession. His latest Blog “Gamesmanship Season” of 22nd Feb 2010 needs to be commented on. The following comments were posted which for reasons best know to the gentleman in question were found unsuitable for publication. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be selectively implemented. Mr.Vinod Sharma may believe that his vocation has bestowed him with a divine carte blanch to lampoon and ridicule the BJP sans restraint. He is a journalist, and not an evangelist.
Mr. Vinod Sharma,
Movies in this country are being released at gun point. Hockey world cup is a matter of national pride. The larger issue is our failure to protect our country and hence we witness what is on display.
Your angst towards IPL is unfathomable, why must business decisions be subjected to media, political or foreign country diktats? Pakistan has sent its national hockey team, which only that country could have selected to represent Pakistan, there is no parallel. Why do you lament the cricketers from Pakistan not being included in IPL? Anyhow these players would not have represented Pakistan, just like the 10 member team that visited us on 26/11, with their own brand of cricket, they were Non state actors and similarly in IPL all these are Non state actors. So why not take a chill pill. Difficult since “Modi” is the common thread, which excites all in your fraternity so what if it is Lalit and not Narendra.
Terrorists we understand. Who are their sponsors? You would need to elaborate, the intent and design we all know. True we face the terrorist threat from without, we debate how to handle the Maoist insurrection within. The enemy can be fought without moral qualms, not very sure that there is any morality on view, not our own people attempting an armed revolution in the land of Gandhi. I do hope you are referring to the Mahatma, yes his land has been defiled by many in the position of power, yet you will want to be singularly focused on 1 set and ignore the actions of the others.
The lament and depiction of our democracy as partisan debate on key national issues, is ducking the responsibility that you and your mates must share in a much larger quantity. The biased and motivated reporting that is indulged in by all of you is the reason for this partisan debate.
The Gandhari syndrome seems to have afflicted some of you rather grievously. The future generation of this country may end up being absolutely intolerant, because our media is not willing to perform its duty in an impartial manner. The onus of national unity is on each and every individual of this country and that includes the journalists also. It is high time you swallowed your own medicine to cure yourself first.
Why not start singing. “Chhodo kal ki baatein Vinod Sharma, kal ki baat puraani Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Hum hindustani, hum Hindustani”
Last 62 years of Indian history have been turbulent internally at times violent. Leading to mass murders! 1984 was an unprovoked attack on innocent Indians for the act of 2 individuals the entire community was made the target. 26 years on justice still eludes the victims. 2002 is yet another reprehensible incident in the history of India. These should never have happened. Were the administrations of the day complicit?
There are many more, yet these two suffice to highlight the present day discourse, not just between political parties/formations, the media, and the general public at large.
If we are to believe a section media then it is only 2002. 1984 did not happen.
The purpose of writing today is larger. It is not to discuss the above two incidents as they have been discussed adnauseam. As the literacy grows in India, the reach and impact of the media increases manifolds, the message is carried directly to homes in rural India. There is a growing need and demand for an impartial, unbiased and apolitical mainstream media. This demand is coming from the ordinary citizen of this country whose sensibilities are being exposed to violence 24 X 7. This verbal violence is affecting the future generation much more than the older. We see how the trivial trumps the important, the breaking news and the exclusive news culture, how journalists masquerade their political biases as profound analysis, years of hard study, yet without any supporting indices. How sensation is packaged as substantive news. Government has the opposition and the media to keep it in check. Who is going to regulate the media which shapes opinions but has now acquired the taste of money and gone berserk? To say the least.
Is there a cure for the hubris and the avarice among the editors of top media houses in the country? Like the politicians and the babus, the journalists are now burdened with the credibility crisis. This is a very serious issue, the impact is long term, and neither can the gravity be underestimated.
We are fortunate, that we have WWW which is an empowering and an extremely enabling tool, were it not for this, our opinions and views would be perpetual hostages to the neo mullahs and pundits of the print and electronic media.
This piece is focused on Mr.Vinod Sharma of Hindustan Times, whose preoccupation with BJP seems more as an obsession. His latest Blog “Gamesmanship Season” of 22nd Feb 2010 needs to be commented on. The following comments were posted which for reasons best know to the gentleman in question were found unsuitable for publication. Freedom of speech and expression cannot be selectively implemented. Mr.Vinod Sharma may believe that his vocation has bestowed him with a divine carte blanch to lampoon and ridicule the BJP sans restraint. He is a journalist, and not an evangelist.
Mr. Vinod Sharma,
Movies in this country are being released at gun point. Hockey world cup is a matter of national pride. The larger issue is our failure to protect our country and hence we witness what is on display.
Your angst towards IPL is unfathomable, why must business decisions be subjected to media, political or foreign country diktats? Pakistan has sent its national hockey team, which only that country could have selected to represent Pakistan, there is no parallel. Why do you lament the cricketers from Pakistan not being included in IPL? Anyhow these players would not have represented Pakistan, just like the 10 member team that visited us on 26/11, with their own brand of cricket, they were Non state actors and similarly in IPL all these are Non state actors. So why not take a chill pill. Difficult since “Modi” is the common thread, which excites all in your fraternity so what if it is Lalit and not Narendra.
Terrorists we understand. Who are their sponsors? You would need to elaborate, the intent and design we all know. True we face the terrorist threat from without, we debate how to handle the Maoist insurrection within. The enemy can be fought without moral qualms, not very sure that there is any morality on view, not our own people attempting an armed revolution in the land of Gandhi. I do hope you are referring to the Mahatma, yes his land has been defiled by many in the position of power, yet you will want to be singularly focused on 1 set and ignore the actions of the others.
The lament and depiction of our democracy as partisan debate on key national issues, is ducking the responsibility that you and your mates must share in a much larger quantity. The biased and motivated reporting that is indulged in by all of you is the reason for this partisan debate.
The Gandhari syndrome seems to have afflicted some of you rather grievously. The future generation of this country may end up being absolutely intolerant, because our media is not willing to perform its duty in an impartial manner. The onus of national unity is on each and every individual of this country and that includes the journalists also. It is high time you swallowed your own medicine to cure yourself first.
Why not start singing. “Chhodo kal ki baatein Vinod Sharma, kal ki baat puraani Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Hum hindustani, hum Hindustani”
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat puraani
Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat puraani …………. So goes the song, this is what the BJP should be singing instead of Zindagi ...kaisi hai paheli, haaye. Kabhi to hansaaye kabhi ye rulaaye. Zindagi. ...” there is merit in both the songs.
We are treated to long debates, post mortems of results of national and state elections. Experts from the media, society and party spoke persons feed us with their considered opinions. We buy into them and go to sleep until next round of electioneering. In all these years never has the role of the media been scrutinized in detail, is it politically incorrect to inspect the role of the media, or is it a mine field, which deters these so called experts from delving into its role, a potent tool, when employed strategically can inflict immense damage on the opposition. Has our media been reporting factually, without bias for one or the other protagonist? Editorial are exempted from scrutiny as that forum is the personal domain of the Editor.
Unfortunately the answer is in the negative, the perception with us is that there is biased reporting in favor of one to the detriment of the other. The narration below is case study, how our media has reacted!
As an ordinary Indian whose primary source of information is the Electronic and the Print media in the country, which form the basis of a considered decision to support or oppose a political party or a combination, is severely affected due to motivated reportage.
The idea mooted by Mr. Nitin Gadkari in his maiden address at the ongoing conclave of the BJP in Indore to resolve an intractable issue between the two communities, has merit and deserves to be explored. Inherent qualities that this suggestion has, it speaks of reciprocity, it removes the idiom of them and us, stresses on Indians as a whole, mutual accommodation by both sides. The most important factor, possible removal of adjudication by a third party, which would lead to a triumphal discourse and pronouncements, by one or the other depending in whose favour the order is passed.
What transpired post this speech is something that every right thinking Indian would not just be concerned, rather dismayed by the presentation of this speech in the Print and Electronic media. Times of India and Hindustan Times ran the headlines as “Gadkari appeals Muslims to give up their Ayodhya claim” this was a conscious willful misrepresentation of the suggestion. Outlook 18th Feb 2010 also carried the story the headline was not similar though the opening lines had the same message. “Bringing to the fore yet again the party's pet issue, new BJP President Nitin Gadkari today said Ram temple in Ayodhya is its soul and appealed to the Muslims to adopt a "generous" attitude by giving up their claim on the disputed site.”
Indian express of the 19th Feb 2010 also carried the story this is what the article stated ““If I don’t mention it, I will be accused of reneging on the party’s core issues. The matter is sub judice, so I would not like to say much. But the ongoing research shows that there existed a Ram temple at the Ayodhya site. Ram is a symbol of our cultural nationalism, as also our heritage. I appeal to my Muslim brethren to give us the small stretch of land there so as to enable us to build a Ram temple. This would mark a new chapter (in Hindu-Muslim amity). We would help our brethren from the Muslim community to build a grand mosque at some other place,” said Gadkari to a thunderous applause from the 4,000-odd delegates attending the two-day national council here.”
The publications which have misrepresented this issue must explain their rationale to the people for this very obvious attempt at fermenting public disturbance. Do these publications not have the responsibility of reporting precisely and factually, what the president of a major national political party is saying? Are these publications a law unto themselves?
Indian Express stands out among the print media for staying with factual reporting which enhance their credibility with the public. I wish to convey my congratulations to this Newspaper for adhering to professional ethics that are absolutely important. Editorials are there for the print media to convey their views and mould public opinion and exercise their influence on the readers.
The electronic media component and it reactions to this suggestion CNNIBN on the 18th Feb 2010 posed the question “Does the BJP have a future?” A national party with 116 MPs in the Lok Sabha with Governments in 6 states by this party! Does it deserve this line of thought, moreover this is not the first instance that this Media House has indulged in this exercise. This makes one acutely aware that there is a definite undercurrent to somehow malign this party, constantly challenge it by broadcasting provocative programs. The overt attempt at influencing the young impressionable minds who accept at face value what the electronic media presents. The statements of guests on this show made it all the more disturbing, who were again harping on past incidents. Gujarat was there prior to 2002, is still there in 2010 and shall be there much after these two guests and many others among us have taken leave from this earth. History of Gujarat or BJP did not freeze in 2002. Just as it did not freeze, for Congress or Delhi in 1984 Sikh killings! Mr. Vinod Sharma commented on the choice of song “Zindagi ...kaisi hai paheli, haaye. Kabhi to hansaaye kabhi ye rulaaye. Zindagi. ... “sung by Mr. Gadkari and sang a few line of “Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat puraani Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Hum hindustani, hum Hindustani” which in his opinion would have been more appropriate for Mr.Gadkari to sing. The question is why does Mr. Vinod Sharma not sing this very song his own self, instead of displaying pathological hatred towards BJP. Guess easier to sermonize that to practice. Critics are not necessarily the best friends, especially when they come with your mindset.
Mr. Vinod Sharma says BJP must change since the country needs a strong opposition. Surely Mr. Sharma is aware, those who sit on the opposition benches today have an equal right to be seated on the treasury benches, should the public deliver its mandate in their favor. This line of thought betrays a clear bias toward the BJP unhealthy for our democracy.Another argument forwarded by Mr. Sharma was on account of Dynastic Politics, his attempt at equating RSS to Nehru Gandhi clan is bizarre and hilarious, such a senior journalist has wantonly overlooked logic and is indulging in forwarding specious argument on behalf of a political party. Those who are in the media would have to discharge their duties with lot more care, in an absolutely neutral manner, than was visible, lesser said about the other guest from The Hindu on this show the better.
Why does CNN IBN not report on the developmental work undertaken by the state governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and other states, where BJP has formed the government on their own or in alliance with other parties, is it because they have been commissioned for negative reporting on BJP.
Timesnow went into its usual hyper drive questioning the rationale of reviving the Hindutva agenda by BJP. Since when have the media house been empowered for the policies and ideologies of the political parties. Mr. Farooqui was unwilling to listen, was shrill when he spoke the arguments were equally juvenile to say the least. He is entitled to his views no one can fault him for that. One only wishes that the new suggestion on the table be considered before being dismissed.
It was a very pleasant surprise, that Dr. Chandan Mitra and Mr. Ravi Shanker Prasad besides being precise were at their combative best, people have been waiting for this avatar of a spokesperson from BJP, for once they scored heavily with the public and why not BJP deserves to be congratulated for this suggestion. The seeds have been sown! Await the germination to happen, who knows a new dawn could be on the horizon for this party and the country.
NDTV since I do not watch the channel on regular basis I am unaware if they have run any special show, going by the standard set by Indian Express it would be safe to conclude that this channel also should be following a somber line on this issue. The studied silence by NDTV could also be construed, not enough negativity on the plate from BJP to be played up so ignore the event, with minor comments, will have a similar impact.
A conclusion without the reaction of the congress would amount to a half baked dish. Mr. Tiwari has nothing other than a singular tune that he sings moment BJP, Modi or Gujarat is mentioned. Absolutely 2002 he is another individual who is stuck in a time warp.
This suggestion requires the support of the people of this country from both the faiths, not to discuss the genesis or the past events. We need to explore how to move forward and convert this into a reality. This is only possible if we leave behind the hardliners and the self appointed caretakers and spokes people from both sides.
We are treated to long debates, post mortems of results of national and state elections. Experts from the media, society and party spoke persons feed us with their considered opinions. We buy into them and go to sleep until next round of electioneering. In all these years never has the role of the media been scrutinized in detail, is it politically incorrect to inspect the role of the media, or is it a mine field, which deters these so called experts from delving into its role, a potent tool, when employed strategically can inflict immense damage on the opposition. Has our media been reporting factually, without bias for one or the other protagonist? Editorial are exempted from scrutiny as that forum is the personal domain of the Editor.
Unfortunately the answer is in the negative, the perception with us is that there is biased reporting in favor of one to the detriment of the other. The narration below is case study, how our media has reacted!
As an ordinary Indian whose primary source of information is the Electronic and the Print media in the country, which form the basis of a considered decision to support or oppose a political party or a combination, is severely affected due to motivated reportage.
The idea mooted by Mr. Nitin Gadkari in his maiden address at the ongoing conclave of the BJP in Indore to resolve an intractable issue between the two communities, has merit and deserves to be explored. Inherent qualities that this suggestion has, it speaks of reciprocity, it removes the idiom of them and us, stresses on Indians as a whole, mutual accommodation by both sides. The most important factor, possible removal of adjudication by a third party, which would lead to a triumphal discourse and pronouncements, by one or the other depending in whose favour the order is passed.
What transpired post this speech is something that every right thinking Indian would not just be concerned, rather dismayed by the presentation of this speech in the Print and Electronic media. Times of India and Hindustan Times ran the headlines as “Gadkari appeals Muslims to give up their Ayodhya claim” this was a conscious willful misrepresentation of the suggestion. Outlook 18th Feb 2010 also carried the story the headline was not similar though the opening lines had the same message. “Bringing to the fore yet again the party's pet issue, new BJP President Nitin Gadkari today said Ram temple in Ayodhya is its soul and appealed to the Muslims to adopt a "generous" attitude by giving up their claim on the disputed site.”
Indian express of the 19th Feb 2010 also carried the story this is what the article stated ““If I don’t mention it, I will be accused of reneging on the party’s core issues. The matter is sub judice, so I would not like to say much. But the ongoing research shows that there existed a Ram temple at the Ayodhya site. Ram is a symbol of our cultural nationalism, as also our heritage. I appeal to my Muslim brethren to give us the small stretch of land there so as to enable us to build a Ram temple. This would mark a new chapter (in Hindu-Muslim amity). We would help our brethren from the Muslim community to build a grand mosque at some other place,” said Gadkari to a thunderous applause from the 4,000-odd delegates attending the two-day national council here.”
The publications which have misrepresented this issue must explain their rationale to the people for this very obvious attempt at fermenting public disturbance. Do these publications not have the responsibility of reporting precisely and factually, what the president of a major national political party is saying? Are these publications a law unto themselves?
Indian Express stands out among the print media for staying with factual reporting which enhance their credibility with the public. I wish to convey my congratulations to this Newspaper for adhering to professional ethics that are absolutely important. Editorials are there for the print media to convey their views and mould public opinion and exercise their influence on the readers.
The electronic media component and it reactions to this suggestion CNNIBN on the 18th Feb 2010 posed the question “Does the BJP have a future?” A national party with 116 MPs in the Lok Sabha with Governments in 6 states by this party! Does it deserve this line of thought, moreover this is not the first instance that this Media House has indulged in this exercise. This makes one acutely aware that there is a definite undercurrent to somehow malign this party, constantly challenge it by broadcasting provocative programs. The overt attempt at influencing the young impressionable minds who accept at face value what the electronic media presents. The statements of guests on this show made it all the more disturbing, who were again harping on past incidents. Gujarat was there prior to 2002, is still there in 2010 and shall be there much after these two guests and many others among us have taken leave from this earth. History of Gujarat or BJP did not freeze in 2002. Just as it did not freeze, for Congress or Delhi in 1984 Sikh killings! Mr. Vinod Sharma commented on the choice of song “Zindagi ...kaisi hai paheli, haaye. Kabhi to hansaaye kabhi ye rulaaye. Zindagi. ... “sung by Mr. Gadkari and sang a few line of “Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat puraani Naye daur mein likhenge milkar nayi kahaani Hum hindustani, hum Hindustani” which in his opinion would have been more appropriate for Mr.Gadkari to sing. The question is why does Mr. Vinod Sharma not sing this very song his own self, instead of displaying pathological hatred towards BJP. Guess easier to sermonize that to practice. Critics are not necessarily the best friends, especially when they come with your mindset.
Mr. Vinod Sharma says BJP must change since the country needs a strong opposition. Surely Mr. Sharma is aware, those who sit on the opposition benches today have an equal right to be seated on the treasury benches, should the public deliver its mandate in their favor. This line of thought betrays a clear bias toward the BJP unhealthy for our democracy.Another argument forwarded by Mr. Sharma was on account of Dynastic Politics, his attempt at equating RSS to Nehru Gandhi clan is bizarre and hilarious, such a senior journalist has wantonly overlooked logic and is indulging in forwarding specious argument on behalf of a political party. Those who are in the media would have to discharge their duties with lot more care, in an absolutely neutral manner, than was visible, lesser said about the other guest from The Hindu on this show the better.
Why does CNN IBN not report on the developmental work undertaken by the state governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and other states, where BJP has formed the government on their own or in alliance with other parties, is it because they have been commissioned for negative reporting on BJP.
Timesnow went into its usual hyper drive questioning the rationale of reviving the Hindutva agenda by BJP. Since when have the media house been empowered for the policies and ideologies of the political parties. Mr. Farooqui was unwilling to listen, was shrill when he spoke the arguments were equally juvenile to say the least. He is entitled to his views no one can fault him for that. One only wishes that the new suggestion on the table be considered before being dismissed.
It was a very pleasant surprise, that Dr. Chandan Mitra and Mr. Ravi Shanker Prasad besides being precise were at their combative best, people have been waiting for this avatar of a spokesperson from BJP, for once they scored heavily with the public and why not BJP deserves to be congratulated for this suggestion. The seeds have been sown! Await the germination to happen, who knows a new dawn could be on the horizon for this party and the country.
NDTV since I do not watch the channel on regular basis I am unaware if they have run any special show, going by the standard set by Indian Express it would be safe to conclude that this channel also should be following a somber line on this issue. The studied silence by NDTV could also be construed, not enough negativity on the plate from BJP to be played up so ignore the event, with minor comments, will have a similar impact.
A conclusion without the reaction of the congress would amount to a half baked dish. Mr. Tiwari has nothing other than a singular tune that he sings moment BJP, Modi or Gujarat is mentioned. Absolutely 2002 he is another individual who is stuck in a time warp.
This suggestion requires the support of the people of this country from both the faiths, not to discuss the genesis or the past events. We need to explore how to move forward and convert this into a reality. This is only possible if we leave behind the hardliners and the self appointed caretakers and spokes people from both sides.
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