Pradeep Ramteke
Editor-in-Chief
Journalism possesses many facets; journalists hold a diversity of thoughts and stances. Consequently, the journalist is portrayed and recognized through a multitude of media platforms.
A journalist is not merely a degree-holder, nor simply a highly educated individual. Rather, a journalist embodies understanding, sensitivity, competence, responsiveness, fearlessness, impartiality, self-respect, efficacy, and—above all—an effective integrity coupled with an honest accountability toward the public!
A journalist ought to be an agent of change. However, he must not take a dangerous turn by engaging in activities that are detrimental to society or the nation. A journalist must never be intellectually or mentally subservient; nor should he be a cunning adversary to the very public he serves—one who has surrendered himself to a state of servitude. Many may not agree with the assertion that anyone can be—or become—a journalist; yet, one cannot simply deny this reality.
Likewise, one cannot underestimate—or write off—the intellect, knowledge, acumen, prudence, sensitivity, spirit of cooperation, supportive nature, skill in nurturing relationships, capacity for friendship and love, diligence, sense of mutual duty, and the goodwill shown in resolving personal-level conflicts, possessed by individuals who may be considered unrefined or less educated. When will we finally realize that *this very individual* is, in essence, a living, breathing journalist who truly embodies the right spirit of the profession?
He is the one who speaks and writes for the welfare of others, alongside his own; who speaks and writes for the protection of others, as well as himself; who advocates—through speech and writing—for the rights of others, just as he does for his own; who raises his voice and wields his pen against injustice faced by others, alongside his own grievances; who brings instances of corruption to the public eye through the power of his words and writing; who exposes to the public the actions—both proper and improper—of those in power; who writes and speaks critically regarding the policies—both sound and unsound—implemented by the ruling authorities; who analyzes and comments upon the planning—both effective and flawed—undertaken by the administration; who scrutinizes—in speech and writing—the laws enacted by the government, distinguishing between those that are just and those that are unjust; who addresses—through his writing and speech—the rights and issues concerning citizens, women, students, farmers, and the unemployed; who extends cooperation to others to the best of his ability; who fosters mutual understanding through the medium of his own vernacular tongue; who treats his relatives, fellow members of society, and all citizens of the nation with dignity and respect, striving to truly understand them; who speaks and writes with the singular aim of ensuring the holistic and supreme upliftment of every citizen in the country; who refrains from dragging his fellow citizens into petty squabbles and conflicts; and who does not sow seeds of falsehood and deceit among the people of the nation…
He is the true journalist—one who, true to his purpose, does not spread hatred; who constantly enriches the knowledge base of the nation’s citizens; who fosters within them an accumulation of factual and accurate understanding; who extricates them from the clutches of conspiracies; who uncovers the truth behind actual events, developments, and internal affairs; and who writes and speaks on a multitude of such critical issues and subjects.
There should be no objection to acknowledging that such an attitude and spirit of action indeed reside within the citizens of India! Thus, a journalist represents the voice that rises in rebellion against injustice—an intellectually vibrant source of energy striving tirelessly to resolve all manner of problems!
