‘Indian journalism should come out of Colonial hangover, Leftist myopia’
Nava Thakuria
June 9, 2025
That was an annual event to commemorate the birth anniversary of Devarshi Narad, the world’s first journalist, where the learned audience listened to an intriguing speech delivered by nationally acclaimed journalist Harshvardhan Tripathi. Addressing the Narad Jayanti function, organized by Vishwa Samvad Kendra Assam at Sudarshanalaya in Guwahati on 1 June 2025, the Delhi-based political commentator observed that Narad Muni did not have a palatial bungalow and did not practice journalism with the royal patronage even though he had access to all Gods and Goddess. But the present trend of journalism depicts a dark picture, while some are running behind the government sponsorship and others are pursuing anti-national policies, stated Tripathi, adding that when the global information warfare, politicized narratives, and ideological polarization are redefining media discourses, Indian journalists must reconnect with its civilizational roots and moral compass to navigate modern challenges with clarity and courage.
Devarshi Narad, a celestial sage and divine messenger for Devatas, Asuras and human beings on Earth, is worshipped by the Hindus for his wisdom. Manasaputra of the Lord Brahma, Devarshi Narad was a revered devotee of Lord Vishnu and his famous quotes are popular as ‘Narayan Narayan’ in Assamese literature since time immemorial. Blessed with immortality, Narad gets mentions in Ramayana, Mahabharata and also Puranas indicating him as an institution and not an individual. The celestial journalist is usually adored on Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha (Jeth). Delivering the keynote address in the function, served as a tribute to Narad Muni (and also a platform for deeper reflection on the current state of Indian media), Tripathi criticized the ideological drift and moral ambiguity in sections of Indian media.
Devarshi always stood for truth, courage, and dharma. Today, instead of being inspired by such ideals, journalism is increasingly trapped in a Colonial and Leftist mindset, commented the progressive thinker, adding that instead of confronting real issues lie terrorism, national security, and cultural identity, many in the Indian media choose selective silence or distortion, driven by ideological biases. Tripathi cited the Pahalgam killings, where victims were targeted based on religion, as a stark example of media reluctance to label acts of violence truthfully. Why is it so difficult to call an act of Islamic terrorism by its name, asked Tripathi raising questions over the media’s moral courage and integrity.
He also criticized the historic disdain shown towards indigenous defence technologies, many of which have now proven their efficacy on the battlefield. The same Indian defence systems, once ridiculed by many motivated elements, have outperformed Pakistan’s imported American, Turkish, and Chinese weapons and mechanisms in the recent conflict against Pakistan and subsequent Operation Sindoor, he noted. Criticizing the journalists, who often stand behind the defeated candidates in a recognized election with an aim to declare them winners, Tripathi termed them nuisance makers instigating anarchy in the society.
Reflecting on internal challenges, Tripathi highlighted how so-called ‘equality politics’ of the Left has created cultural alienation and division in our society. The journalists should look to Devarshi Narad’s ideal of fearless, impartial, and morally grounded communication. He also added that fact-checking in its current politicized form, has turned into another tool of narrative control rather than truth-seeking. Tripathi also asserted that a professional journalist’s personal life should reflect the same values they expect from others - simplicity, honesty, and patriotism. The outspoken editor-journalist reminded the media persons that they do not have more rights than a common Indian.
Prominent Assamese children's writer and editor of ‘Mouchak’ and ‘Natun Aabiskar’, Shantanu Tamuli (origin name Pramod Tamuli) was presented the annual Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award. Receiving the award for the year 2025, carrying an Assamese Cheleng Chadar, a momentum, a citation and a cheque for Rs 50,000 along with a collection of books, Tamuli offered his gratitude to the organizers and the readers of both the Assamese magazines, he continues to edit. Three city-based working journalists namely Himanshu Pathak (associated with Asomiya Khabar), Diganta Saharia (Prag News) and Khanin Deka (Niyomiya Barta) were also felicitated with a Gamosa and a portrait of Bharat Mata on the occasion.
VSK Assam secretary Kishor Shivam welcomed the audience, where its president Gauranga Sharma, vice-president Guruprasad Medhi along with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Asom Kshetra Prachar Pramukh Sunil Mahanty, Assam Publication Board secretary Pramod Kalita, distinguished personalities including Diganta Biswa Sarma, Ramen Sarma, Jagadindra Raichoudhury, Rupam Barua with others were present. The program began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp in front of Bharat Mata's figurine, followed by an invocation of the Narad Stotra performed by artiste Sharat Rag and it was moderated by Naba Bujarbarua.
(Tripurainfo)
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