The Role of Periodicals on Indian Renaissance and National Integration -Pre and Post Independence Scenario

Justice K. Jayachandra Reddy

Former Judge, Supreme Court & Chairman, Press Council of India, Delhi

It is a matter of pride and a great event for any publication to celebrate its Platinum Jubilee having successfully survived for 75 years. I congratulate the Triveni Foundation, and the organizers have to be richly complimented for the same. I deem it an honour and great privilege to participate in the celebrations. The topic chosen for the National Seminar on this occasion is of vital importance and of great relevance in the present scenario.

Ours is a democracy and the Constitution declares it a sovereign, democratic, socialist and secular Republic and resolves to secure to all its citizens social, economic and political justice, liberty of thoughts expression; equality of status and of opportunity of unity and integrity of the nation. Churchill said; “The least unsatisfactory of all forms of government is democracy”.

It needs no emphasis that the media has a most important role to play to safeguard democracy. Election is not a democracy and it is only a means to choose the political representatives to run the affairs of the State. Democracy implies the participative governance and the participation of the people as a must has to be in the day-to-day affairs of the society. The accountability to the people of those managing the affairs of the society is further the essence of a democratic regime. Without it democracy will be reduced to a farce and a mere periodical voting ritual. Shri C. Rajagopalachari wrote in his prison diary on July 24, 1922 “Election and their corruption, injustice and the power and tyranny of wealth, and inefficiency of administration will make a hell of life as soon as freedom is given to us. Men will look regretfully back to the old regime of comparative justice, and efficient, peaceful, more or less honest administration”. Therefore it is the duty of the media mainly to keep citizens well informed about the problems and which they have to decide to enable them to participate in the day- to- day affairs of the society.

The profession of journalism is as sacred, and its responsibility as onerous, as that of any other service-oriented professions like the medical and legal. In fact, it is many times more sacred and responsible than the other professions; for what a medical, or legal practitioner does or does not do, may affect an individual. But what the journalist does or does not do, may affect the entire society, policy and economy. Hence the power of the media has been recognized in all countries and in all times, ever since the pamphletering, the ancestor of today’s newspapers, made its appearance in the 17th Century. This power soon grew to such an extent that it led Thomas Carlyle to describe the Press as the Fourth Estate, ranking it with the other three Estates, State, the Church and the Parliament. Today, it is acknowledged as the Fourth Organ of the State, wielding the same power as the other three traditional organs viz., the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Even this is an underestimation of its power, as it wields more power than even the other three organs. It is the only institution, which is unaccountable, and can criticize and comment upon the deeds and the misdeeds of the other three organs. It may not have the sanction of law to enforce its will, as other organs have. But it can command a more powerful and ultimate sanction viz., the sanction of public opinion, which after all, is the only sanction behind law as well. With this sanction, it can make and unmake individuals and institutions, and even create revolutions. Journalists share this power. The purpose for which they use it and the manner, in which they use it, will decide their respectability and credibility, whether as reporters or editors at different levels. Media is what media persons make of it. On their reputation, will depend the reputation of the institutions they serve, or write for, even as freelance journalists.

Journalism no doubt offers a means of livelihood today. But like the medical and legal profession, it started as a selfless social service, as a mission to achieve a goal set before themselves by the pioneers in journalism. Almost all early journals were run at a great personal sacrifice, and hardship, the losses being met by the owner-editors from their own pockets. They also suffered social ostracism for pursuing non-popular causes, and persecution, harassment and incarceration, loss of property and sometimes even of life, for criticising the establishment. Dauntless, the journals and journalists carried on their mission.

The basic function of mass communication media is to provide information, education or instruction and entertainment to the people. The media also motivate people directly or indirectly. To discharge these functions in a meaningful and purposeful manner in any country or in any community, the mass media agencies should be clear about, the broad communication objectives, which may guide their operations in their day-to-day work.

The national objectives should be non-political, non-controversial and on which there is general national consensus. The objective should be to further the interests and well-being of the people as a whole and to promote the many-sided development of the country. The objective should be a long-term one and need not necessarily change with changes in the political scenario.

The unity in our country with all diversities is unique. There are 18 major languages, now perhaps 22; 6400 castes and sub-castes; 6 major religions; 1600 minor languages and dialects; 53 major tribes; 6 main ethnic groups; 29 major festivals; 7 Union Territories and 28 States. In a country of India’s size and population, diversity of religions, languages, regional imbalances and several other factors, it is not easy to evolve a national communication policy or generally acceptable information strategy. Nevertheless, such a policy is essential so as to give some guidance by mass media efforts. The country should also have the necessary infrastructure to implement the basic policy in the shortest possible time.

To discharge his functions in an efficient and purposeful manner, the mass communicator in India should have a clear conception of the basic ideals or values, which he has to promote. He should also know something about the availability of mass media infrastructure, the gaps that exist at present in communication facilities as compared to international standards, and the effort that is required to bridge or minimize this gap.

In the post independence period there is no repressive law against the Press, controlling the freedom of the press. But that does not mean it is unfettered, unbridled absolute freedom. Pandit Nehru while addressing the All India Editors’ Conference in 1954 said: - “Freedom is always accompanied by responsibility. Freedom always entails an obligation, whether it is nation’s freedom or an individual’s freedom or a group’s freedom or the freedom of the Press. Therefore, whenever we consider the question of freedom, we must also inevitably consider the responsibility that goes with freedom. If there is no responsibility and no obligation attached to it, freedom gradually withers away. This is true of a nation’s freedom and it applies as much to the Press as to any other group, organization or individual”.

I am quite sure that there is a very great deal of the good side in the Indian people, and if we appeal to it we shall always get the right response. If our newspapers keep this in view and appeal to the good side, they will help in the emotional integration of India. They will thus do a great service. Let us think not only of our past common heritage, but of the India that we are building up which will also be common heritage of all of us. I would submit to the editors that through this service to the people they will ultimately be serving themselves also.

We should have criticism; it is essential, provided it is bona fide criticism, and not sensationalism or something that verges on vulgarity. I have often wondered whether freedom of expression implies all kinds of vulgar and obscene approaches. My idea of freedom does not include them. Degradation of the public taste is terrible. We have to oppose it.

The Independence of India marked the end of the glorious struggle of the Indian Press for freedom. Now press enjoys the freedom, which is equated, to the status of Fundamental Right - Freedom of Speech guaranteed under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India. It is elevated and recognised as Fourth Estate. It is supposed to play a Key Role and a crucial role of a watchdog to see that the other three estates -legislative, executive, judiciary function fairly within the Constitutional frame work and serve the people for whose welfare they are created. The moment the press ceases to perform this function, it loses its credibility.

The Fourth Estate in India has doubtless become a force to reckon with. It has to play the role of a watchdog - rather the role of a game-keeper, but then if it becomes a poacher it would be frustrating, and disastrous. The role of the press in a developing country and developing society should neither be that of an adversary nor an ally of the Treasury Bench nor a comrade in arms of the Opposition Bench. It is poignantly poised in a manner where none can pull its strings, for certainly it is not a puppet to be toyed with.

But what has happened after independence? The threat to independent journalism from big business houses has been increasing. It is needless to say that when newspapers are controlled by big business houses, they lose their individuality and independence and become vehicles of the expression of ideology professed and practicised by such big business houses. In other words journalism ceases to be a mission, and no longer serves the interests of the public whose interests it is expected to serve. The latter are driven to background, hopelessly uncared and unheeded.

To perceive the role of the media in shaping the future of India, we need to analyse the present because it is the present which forms a base for the future. If we take a quick look at India’s present scenario we will notice that communalism and extremism are taking roots stronger day by day, thereby making every effort to weaken the secular structure of the country. Economic disparities have widened the gap between rich and poor. Parallel economy is flourishing. Corruption has placed India in the first top ten most corrupt nations.

Having helped India gain political freedom from foreign yoke, the media has to work towards preserving the country’s economic freedom and nation building. In any democratic society, the role of media is to inform and educate. Only well-informed citizenry can constitute a solid foundation in democracy as against uninformed and misinformed citizens who make a mockery of democracy and democratic rights and principles.

The problems the country faces even after fifty-five years of independence are staggering, threatening and which would affect the national solidarity and the democratic structure damaging irreparably the very independence. To take the nation forward should be the sole mission of Media in these crucial times. Let us a look at the present scenario and the crisis. Whither the Indian Republic! Ground realities are there glaringly: terrorism, extremism, violence in some form or other in every State, unfriendly neighbours, ever burning Kashmir problem, organized crime, black money running parallel economy, criminalisation of politics and wholesome corruption. All these are because of steep fall in morals.

We have a rich heritage. Tagore hoped that we should reach such heights:

“Where the mind is without fear and

the head is held high;

Where knowledge is free;

Where the mind is led forward by thee

into ever-widening thought and action

-Into that heaven of freedom, my

Father, let my country awake.”

This was the dream concept of Gandhiji also. But this has only remained as a dream. So where are we after 55 years of Independence? Who are responsible! Our problems have not only multiplied but also got highly complicated. No institution has an unblemished record. Is it because people at the helm of affairs have lacked the political will and astute statesmanship to govern the country decisively and in a determined manner! As we see, problems have defied solution! What is the role-played by intellectuals, educated, bureaucrats etc.? Are we also not responsible as abettors?

These are aspects of which we are all aware. If these are allowed unchecked what will happen to our freedom! To the national solidarity and the national integrity! During the Constituent Assembly debates Dr. Ambedkar voiced a concern about the future of India. He said, “What would happen to India’s Independence! Will she lose it again? It is not that India was never an independent country. The point is that once she lost the Independence she had. Will she lose it second time! It is the thought, which makes me most anxious for the future”. The fore thought of Rajaji and the concern expressed by Dr. Ambedkar are unfortunately not without basis. Are we not being shaken by the fear that the freedom we have attained after a great struggle and sacrifice is slowly slipping from our grasp? Should we remain as mute spectators? Political activities have lost their therapeutic value and have only cosmetic value. The need of the hour is for a movement to stir the people to unite and weed out communalism, terrorism and corruption, and to put an end to the activities of anti-social men and anti-national organisations. A rebirth of our Republic is necessitated! That has to be achieved by launching another freedom struggle! Not by violence! But by becoming duty minded! By rededicating ourselves single mindedly to uphold moral values! By being responsible citizens. By being honest. The spirits of tolerance, secularism magnanimity and sacrifice have to be revived again? Otherwise there is nothing we can give to our children - to the future. Future is the continuation of the past, but should be properly remedied and rectified, at present, by us. This is the concern being voiced by right thinking people.

It is in this spirit the media should rise to the occasion and rededicate itself to safeguarding the freedom of the nation by giving necessary guidance to the public. They must remind themselves of the noble role they played during the freedom struggle. It is needless to say that all of us have the same duty and responsibility to strive our utmost to safe-guard the freedom of the nation and its democratic structure by building up national solidarity, by cultivating tolerance and by promoting secularism. If each one finds a brother in every other being, peace and harmony will automatically follow - violence cannot be eliminated by violence. It has to be conquered by change of hearts. Dwelling on the past can only cause pain and dwelling on the future can only cause anxiety. It is in the present that all should come out to build a bridge of love.

One redeeming feature of India today is that the people have not lost awareness completely. They understand what is what, who is corrupt and who is not. All that they have to do is to eliminate immoral people from power, of course by democratic process only and not by violence. This requires an iron will and sense of discipline. The media and intellectuals have to come forward to carry out this movement with missionary zeal, drawing inspiration from our great leaders in the past.

It is needless to say that the educated and the intellectuals should do some serious introspection. We have to remember that the heritage we would be building up would be a common heritage for every Indian.

The media’s most important task is in the rural sphere. A large section of our country lives in the rural areas. The people of these areas do not have proper access to what exactly the authorities are doing and are supposed to do for their welfare. The media has to come forward and provide them with every information and sensitise them about their rights and the benefits they deserve.

The media has the calibre to change the mindset of the people. It has to inculcate in the mind of its readers what is good and bad for them. The media has to change the stereotype outlook of the people, which has hampered their growth.

Gandhiji said that cities in the urban areas by themselves do not constitute India. It is the rural areas that constitute India, as we are aware India is predominantly rural.

Nearly 80% of the population lives in villages and the livelihood of the three-fourth of our population is provided by agriculture and allied occupations. Agricultural production is the basic national income, but poverty, illiteracy and backwardness are still rampant in rural areas. As we see now the rural development is the top most priority of the contemporary planning process. The rural development is a multi-faceted problem causing serious concern, especially in developing countries at all stages of development. The simple meaning given to the term ‘rural development’ is an improvement in the living standards of the vast rural population and make them have the income for self-sustaining. The rural development envisages physical development of communication, transport, irrigation, energy, animal conservation, etc. The second is the economic development like agriculture, business and industry, and the third is social development of education, culture, sports; political activities, and finally the health development of nutrition, sanitation, community health, preventive measures and prevention of water and air pollution. It cannot be gain said that rural development in this broad sense holds the key to all economic progress, industrial or agrarian urban or rural. When can we see that?

Gurudev Tagore once asked Mahatma Gandhi, and the conversation ran as follows:

“Gandhi, are you so unromantic that the early morning sun rise does not fill your heart with joy to see ‘the reddish glow? When the bird sings, does not your heart thrill with its divine music? And when the rose opens its petals and blooms in the garden, does that sight not bring cheer to your heart?”

Gandhi replied: Gurudev, I am not dumb or insensitive as not to be moved by the beauty of the rose or the morning rays of the sun, or the divine music of the birds. But what can I do? My own desire, my own anxiety, my own ambition is when shall I see the red tinge of the rose on the cheeks of the hungry millions of my people, when shall I hear the sweet melodious songs of the birds in place of their agonizing sight, when will such music come out of the soul, when will the day come when the light of the morning sun will illuminate the heart of the common man in India? When will I see the lustre and brightness on his face, when will those tears be wiped out?” When will this happen to the people in rural areas?

It is appropriate that there should be effective medium of rural mass communication. The details and infrastructure in respect of such field publicity to some extent have been evolved and worked up. But the media by itself has to play its role, taking it as a duty, particularly the small-scale newspapers, which reach the rural people better as compared to the national level newspapers.

In this voyage the small and medium newspapers have a greater and more responsible role to play. They are closer to the rural people constituting 80% of the population.

There is no gain saying that rural women are supposed to have a main role in rural development. So, it is incumbent that they should have the necessary education imparting knowledge about their role regarding rural development in all the above-mentioned aspects. Jawaharlal Nehru said, “In order to awaken the people, it is the woman who has to be awakened. Once she is on the move, the household moves, the village moves and the country moves, and through the women the children are brought into the picture and given the opportunity of a healthier life and better living. Thus, through the children of today, we shall build the India of tomorrow. So, let us move in that direction i.e. to develop a strong rural base to save the national solidarity, and the democracy; to give a meaningful implementation of the directive principles and thus safeguard the concept of ‘welfare state’.

According to the latest available report of RNI, the total number of newspapers and periodicals in India registered with RNI was 57,000 as on date. The total circulation, of all newspapers and periodicals was 13,00,87,493. Of this circulation about 64.19 percent belonged to medium and small newspapers and about 35.8 percent belonged to big ones. These figures available with the Registrar of Newspapers have to be accepted subject to a big question mark since the Registrar has a tally only of newspapers, which were registered with him since 1956 till date. His office has no information of the newspapers, which have since closed.

The Telugu press publishes about 1300 newspapers including dailies and other periodicals and the total circulation is more than 30 lakhs. The small and medium newspapers have their circulation more than one lakh. Therefore, the Telugu media is highly resourceful to bring about revolutionary change in the rural areas which really constitute India and which will go a long way in building up Indian Renaissance and National Integrity.

A caution: Today’s younger generation have to bear in mind that we are struggling as a developing country and we should not think of embracing western culture for they have wealth and all the good things of life. If we lose our spiritual culture we may become a second-class western type of Indians and cease to be true Indians. By all means get the best out of western education, get the best out of their culture, but avert the danger of falling a victim of embracing their new culture where sexual aberrations, night club life, drug addictions are prominent, keep aloof from it because if it once invades our country then there will be an end of our culture. Remember that India should have been the guardian of world morals and an effective solution for the world problems and let us not allow it to drift to be a part of such problem.

The media has the calibre to change the mindset of the people. It has to inculcate in the mind of its readers what is good and bad for them. The media has to change the stereotype outlook of the people, which has hampered their growth. Now building up national integration and solidarity is intensely related to the transformation of political, parochial loyalties may be local, communal party wise, or religious into national loyalties and this create a national community.

Certain sections of the media with western outlook have negatively influenced the youth of the country. Its impact has greatly affected the moral and cultural fabric of the country. Such outlook has to be shunned by the media, and rather the media should make an effort to generate the interest of the youth in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Now and herein lies the challenge to our Democratic Republic, which after 55 years is badly shaken by criminal politics, populism, inefficiency, corruption, greed and drift. This chaos is created only by the educated and the intellectuals, who, having enjoyed the benefits given by the society have forgotten their duty and moral obligation to serve the society and the country at large. However, it is not too late. We would do well to remember that Mother Earth provides for men’s needs but cannot satiate his greed. Sun is rising, oxygen is there, mother earth gives the food to survive. One can earn honestly and live honestly, making life’s voyage meaningful. Let us move in that direction. Instead of merely cursing the darkness around, it is always better to light a lamp, however small, to shed light, from which many lamps can be lit. Put aside personal interests wherever they are in conflict with national interests, and strive to build up the nation. Let the unholy anesthetic effect and insensitiveness, created by the unquenchable thirst to amass wealth by illegal and unlawful means wear away. The have nots have contributed to what haves have. It is imperative that have to do much for the have nots Man’s greed and selfishness will surely take us to point no return. Let the moral consciousness awaken and remind that the national interest is supreme. A time has come to put the mandate into action. But this cannot be done overnight. We have to adjust to certain things, which we cannot change. There is good caution.

“Oh Lord! Give me the serenity to adjust

to the things which I cannot change.

Oh Lord! Give me the courage to change

the things which I can.

But Oh Lord! Give me also the wisdom

to know the difference”.

Inaugural address delivered at the Seminar organized by Triveni Foundation, Hyderabad on 3.3.2004 on the occasion of Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.

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