Guwahati: The world’s first journalist Devarshi Narad did not have a palatial bungalow and he did not practice journalism with the royal patronage even though he had access to all Gods. But the present trend of journalism depicts a dark picture while some are running behind the government sponsorship and others are pursuing anti-national policies, observed nationally acclaimed journalist and political commentator Harshvardhan Tripathi, while delivering the keynote address in Narad Jayanti program held at Sudarshanalaya in the city on Sunday (1 June 2025). Asserting that the role of opposition parties and a section of media groups remain disappointing, while India is relentlessly waging a war against terrorism, Tripathi asserted that many scribes have not acquired the courage to report the Pahalgam terror attack with a correct perspective.
Many of them once made fun out of India-made arms and ammunition, but those weapons developed with indigenous technologies succeeded against Pakistan, which hired defence equipment from the USA, China and Turkey. The journalism in India continues to be directionless when it becomes necessary to report from the ground. To report any complex situation, the present day media fraternity needs the inspiration from Devarshi Narad, who was fearless, focused and with no greed. When the journalists deal with fake news and fake checking arrangements, they need to be more honest and morally correct, observed Tripathi.
Also read | VSK Assam celebrating Narad Jayanti on 1 June
Appreciating the initiative of Vishwa Samvad Kendra, Assam for organising the annual event to commemorate the birth anniversary of Devarshi Narad, the outspoken editor-journalist reminded the media persons that they do not have more rights than a common Indian and how to live as simple as possible with the high integrity and honesty was shown by Narad Muni. Criticizing the journalists, who often stand behind the defeated candidates in a recognized election with an aim to declare them winners, Tripathi termed them nuisance makers instigating anarchy in the society.
Prominent Assamese children’s writer and editor of ‘Mouchak’ and ‘Natun Aabiskar’, Shantanu Tamuli (origin name Pramod Tamuli) was presented the annual Devarshi Narad Jayanti Award. Receiving the award for the year 2025, carrying a Cheleng Chadar, a momentum, a citation and a cheque for Rs 50,000 along with a collection of books, Tamuli offered his gratitude to the organizers and the readers of both the Assamese magazines, he continues to edit. Three city-based working journalists namely Himanshu Pathak (Asomiya Khabar), Diganta Saharia (Prag News) and Khanin Deka (Niyomiya Barta) were also felicitated on the occasion.
VSK Assam secretary Kishor Shivam welcomed the audience, where its president Gauranga Sharma, vice-president Guru Prasad Medhi along with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Asom Khetra Prachar Pramukh Sunil Mahanty, Assam Publication Board secretary Pramod Kalita and many other dignitaries were present. The program, began with the lighting of a sacred lamp in front of Bharat Mata’s figurine, was enriched by Sharat Rag’s Narad Strotra and it was moderated by Naba Bujarbarua.
(Nava Thakuria is a senior Indian journalist who contributes to various media outlets including print and digital platforms of India and across the world.)