Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Sarkaryavah Shri Mohan Bhagwat on June 19, 2008 expressed concern over steep deterioration in the field of journalism and asked the media professionals not to fall prey to materialistic allurements. The crisis of character is affecting every sphere of life including journalism and hence serious thought must be given to protect and preserve honest, impartial and fearless journalism, he opined.
Shri Bhagwat was speaking at a book release function of Dilli Durbar, a compilation of political despatches by Ravindra Dani, Associate Editor of Tarun Bharat. Leader of the Opposition Shri Lal Krishna Advani, senior BJP leader Shri Gopinath Munde, BJP state unit president Shri Nitin Gadkari and Chairman of Narkesari Prakashan Dr. Vilas Dangre, Principal Vinay Deshpande and Chandrakant Lakhe were seated on the dais. At least one dozen legislators of the BJP and several senior functionaries of BJP and Sangh Parivar graced the function.
Media has to disseminate information and educate society, but due to rat-race often misinformation is dished out and selfish considerations hog the centre-stage, Shri Bhagwat lamented. Two days ago it was reported that Bhagwat would once again share dais with Shri Advani, Shri Bhagwat told the capacity audience. What is great about it, if needed I will share dais again and again with Shri Advani, he asserted setting to rest all speculations and so-called inside information.
Congratulating Ravindra Dani for remaining aloof from the allurements during his two-decade-long stint as political correspondent at Delhi and for writing dispassionate despatches retaining commitment to core values of Sangh ideology, Shri Bhagwat urged the gathering to emulate such thinking and work for the interest of country. It is difficult to remain infallible amidst the cesspool of corruption, but correct sanskaras and strong desire to work for the betterment of country and society, brings best out of everybody, he opined.
Leader of the Opposition Shri Lal Krishna Advani also congratulated Dani for excelling in the field of journalism and described the role of language press as far more important for national polity. Role of journalists like Dani is crucial for emergence of India as superpower and guiding force in 21st century, he stated. Though English media gets more importance, language media should play a greater role and Dani is role model for political reporting, he stated.
Senior BJP leader Shri Gopinath Munde described Dani as ace journalist, deeply committed to RSS ideology. Recalling his close association with Shri Dani, the BJP leader revealed that they were groomed by the late Shri Vasantrao Bhagwat and Vasantrao Patwardhan. Books like Dilli Durbar are very important for citizens, especially for politicians and journalists, he stated while asking Shri Dani to write another book throwing light on central politics.
BJP state unit president Shri Nitin Gadkari described his close association with Shri Dani since childhood. He was a worthy successor to Shri M.G. Tapasvi and carried on legacy of illustrated predecessor with great efficiency. He urged all to patronise such books.
In his presidential address Dr. Vilas Dangre expressed concern over shifting loyalties for more bucks. Changing sides for greener pasture raise a question-mark over commitment and sincerity, he stated.
Setting the tone, Shri Ravindra Dani described himself as ?a staunch Swayamsevak? and same was reiterated by Shri Advani and Shri Bhagwat in their speeches. ?I am part of movement which began at Nagpur in 1925,? Shri Advani stated. The book is a collection of his popular column Dilli Dinank published in Tarun Bharat. Principal Vinay Deshpande throw light on the contents of the book. Shri Shripad Risaldar conducted the proceedings and proposed a vote of thanks.
