Letter to Hoot: Media ignores genuine role models
People will soon lose faith in media if it continues its focus on Page 3 stunts and ignores newsworthy people
Dear Editor,
A couple of days back, Swami Ranganathananda, one of the most respected figures of Hinduism, died. To the uninitiated, Swami Ranganathananda is the head of the Ramakrishna Mission, one of the most respected religious institutions of India. Unlike the hot headed bigots of the VHP, RSS, Shiv Sena and Bajrang Dal, who pose as the representatives of Hinduism, Swamiji was one of the genuine representatives of Hinduism. In his capacity as the head of the Ramakrishna Mission, he gave a social dimension to the religious activities and the mission has worked for disaster relief, medical camps for poor, education etc.
In his speeches, Swamiji stressed on the greatness of Hinduism, but at the same time urged Hindus not to fall into the "trap of regression." In short, he was a man of character, intellect and ability. However, when such a prominent figure, whose work touched the lives of millions of Hindus passed away, all he got was a small mention in the media. The very same media went overboard for the Pope, though most of us in India are least concerned about it. Why this sort of colonial mentality? We had live coverage in TV, all the newspapers bought out special supplements, there was speculation about the next Pope — all for a person who is of no significance to most of us in India.
But here we had a man who was an Indian, who worked tirelessly for the people of India, and we did not even acknowledge his passing away. We keep cribbing about the lack of role models. My question is - does the media promote the right kind of people as role models? It is more interested in Page 3 people, flop starlets and third-rate fashion designers than people who have genuinely held the cause of their country dear. Or maybe they are more interested in the shenanigans of the Sangh Parivar or Laloo. The VHP, RSS dinosaurs or the Shiv Sena, Bajrang Dal goons get instant publicity whatever they do.
It is disgusting to see people like Pravin Togadia and Vinay Katiyar pose as the saviours of Hinduism, when genuine representatives like Swamiji are ignored. I hope you could bring this issue to light. If this is the way we treat our genuine heroes, is it any wonder that frustration and cynicism is mounting among the people of India?
The media used to be the most respected in India; now it is the most hated. The truth is that journalists are now clubbed along with politicians, lawyers and bureaucrats as the scum of society. And when people lose faith in the Fourth Estate, it is not a very good thing for a nation. Honestly speaking, if a military style coup were to take place in India and all curbs were to be placed on the media, many an Indian would feel genuinely happy. I think it is time for the media to do some thinking and recover the lost credibility.
S Ratnakar
Noida
3 May 2005
