MP Rabindranath
As a journalist who has devoted decades to the craft, my experience spans from my early days at Deccan Chronicle to my leadership role at a prominent regional news agency. Even now, well into my retirement, the socio-political landscape of our nation fills me with concern and frustration. At a time when I should be reflecting on a fulfilling career, I find myself grappling with an increasingly perilous environment for journalism and society at large.
For over thirty-five years, I took pride in working for a newspaper that was synonymous with nationalism and patriotism, established by the respected Mudaliar family. However, after its acquisition by T. Chandrasekhar Reddy—an influential member of the Reddy community and former Congress Rajya Sabha member—its commitment to impartiality began to falter. The management, while not openly partisan, has undoubtedly influenced the editorial stance of a once-revered institution.
Today, not only the newspaper with which I have long been associated but also media outlets across the country appear fragmented—politically, morally, ethically, and professionally. The landscape has become a battleground where agendas overshadow the core principles of journalism, creating an atmosphere of mistrust among the public.
I identify as a devout Hindu, yet I also actively engage with the traditions of other religions. Observing the Ramadan fast alongside my Muslim friends or respecting the Lenten season of Christians exemplifies my belief that while our faiths may differ, our reverence for God remains a unifying factor. This philosophy is rooted in the notion that to coexist harmoniously, we must respect each other’s customs and religious practices. In a secular nation, this understanding is not just desirable but essential for maintaining the fabric of our society.
However, the current toxic environment compels me to denounce the divisive narratives propagated across various religious groups. These narratives disturb social harmony and pose a serious threat to the unity of our country. Political discourse has devolved into mutual accusations, with parties blaming each other for the nation’s division. The party that governed for a significant period refuse to acknowledge its own missteps that have alienated the majority Hindu community over the years. Instead of fostering unity, it resorted to appeasement politics, promoting divisions among communities such as Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and minority Muslims while neglecting other minority groups.
Today, these parties criticize the current government for attempting to address the sentiments of the Hindu majority. This is not merely a political maneuver but an essential step toward national reconciliation. Once celebrated for its religious co-existence, India is now often mischaracterized as a land of intolerance, a notion that is not only regrettable but also profoundly misguided. The perception of India as intolerant undermines the significant strides we have made toward building an inclusive society.
Despite instances of communal and ethnic violence prior to 2014, when Congress was in power, this government has made efforts to ensure equality among religions through its policy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.” Yet, opposition spokespersons vehemently deny the existence of intolerance, which is alarming. For instance, Rahul Shivshankar’s recent TV debate, Upfront, highlights real-time statistics that contradict the opposition’s narrative, revealing a stark disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
As a journalist, I have witnessed various political leaders come and go, and I recognize that no position is permanent. Unlike leaders in authoritarian regimes, who clamour for lifetime authority, Indian democracy values public opinion and critical discourse. It is this very democracy that allows for a multiplicity of voices and opinions to coexist, although it now feels threatened.
At 81, I find it disheartening to observe the current political climate. It compels me to embrace the famous adage of the “three monkeys”: not to see evil, not to hear evil, and not to speak evil. Yet, as a committed Hindu, I feel frustrated by the opposition’s unreasonable objections to the government’s attempts to rectify past injustices toward the Hindu majority. It is crucial that we come together as a nation, respecting our diverse identities while striving for a more united future.
In conclusion, I wish to say the path forward must prioritize dialogue over division, understanding over animosity. As a journalist, I remain committed to advocating for the principles of integrity, equity, and coexistence that define the best of our nation. (The author is former Assistant Editor/Bureau Chief of Deccan Chronicle, a leading newspaper)
