देवर्षि नारद जयंती 2025: निडर और मूल्य आधारित भारतीय पत्रकारिता का आह्वान
Indian Journalism Should Come Out of Colonial Hangover and Leftist Myopia – Dr Harshvardhan Tripathi
Guwahati, June 1 – At a time when global information warfare, politicized narratives, and ideological polarization are redefining media discourse, a powerful message emerged from the Narad Jayanti 2025 celebration in Guwahati: Indian journalism must reconnect with its civilizational roots and moral compass to navigate modern challenges with clarity and courage.
Organized by Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), Assam, the event served as both a tribute to Devarshi Narad, revered in Indian tradition as the world’s first news communicator, and as a platform for deeper reflection on the state of Indian media today.
Delivering the keynote address at Sudarshanalaya, Delhi-based senior journalist and thinker Dr. Harshvardhan Tripathi strongly criticized the ideological drift and moral ambiguity in sections of Indian media. “Narad did not serve any king nor seek royal patronage. He stood for truth, courage, and dharma. Today, instead of being inspired by such ideals, journalism is increasingly trapped in a colonial and Leftist mindset,” he remarked. He emphasized that instead of confronting real issues, such as terrorism, national security, and cultural identity, many in the media choose selective silence or distortion, driven by ideological biases.
Tripathi cited the Pahalgam killings, where victims were allegedly 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?” he asked, questioning the media’s moral courage.
He also criticized the historic disdain shown towards indigenous defence technologies many of which have now proven their efficacy on the battlefield. “The same defence systems once ridiculed have outperformed Pakistan’s imported American, Turkish, and Chinese weapons and mechanisms in recent conflict Operation Sindoor,” he noted.
Reflecting on internal challenges, Tripathi highlighted how so-called ‘equality politics’ of the Left has created cultural alienation and division in our society. “Today, journalists must look to Narad’s ideal of fearless, impartial, and morally grounded communication,” he said, adding that fact-checking, in its current politicized form, has turned into another tool of narrative control rather than truth-seeking.
The event also emphasized the importance of journalistic integrity. “A journalist’s personal life should reflect the same values they expect from others – simplicity, honesty, and patriotism,” Tripathi asserted.
In a key highlight of the program, Shantanu Tamuli, renowned children’s writer and editor of Mouchak and Natun Aabiskar, was awarded the prestigious Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award 2025 highlighting Assamese literary and journalistic talent. In his speech, Tamuli expressed gratitude to the readers and cultural organizations who have supported his mission in children’s literature. “This award is a source of lifelong inspiration for me and the literary community of Assam,” he said.
The award included an Assamese Seleng Chadar, commemorative memento, a certificate, selected books, a portrait of Bharat Mata, and a cash prize of ₹50,000.
The event began with the lighting of a ceremonial lamp before the image of Bharat Mata, followed by an invocation of the Narad Stotra, performed by artist Sharat Rag, setting a solemn and cultural tone to the proceedings.
Several Assamese journalists were honored for their contribution to regional journalism, including Himanshu Pathak (Asomiya Khabar), Diganta Sahariya (Prag News), and Khaneen Deka (Niyomiya Barta). Each was felicitated with a Gamosa and a portrait of Bharat Mata, affirming the event’s Bharatiya cultural framework.
In his welcome address, VSK Secretary Kishore Shivam underlined the enduring relevance of Narad’s principles in today’s journalism. “In an age of information excess and moral confusion, Narad’s example reminds us that communication must be rooted in truth, responsibility, and service to society,” he said.
The program was attended by dignitaries such as Dr. Gaurang Sharma (President, VSK Assam), Guruprasad Medhi (Vice President), Dr. Sunil Mahanty (RSS Kshetra Prachar Pramukh), and Pramod Kalita (Secretary, Assam Publication Council), among others.
