In the vast curtain of Hindu culture, amidst the gods, goddesses, and divine beings, stands Devarshi Narad, a figure revered not just for his celestial wisdom but also for his pivotal role as the world’s first journalist. As we commemorate Devarshi Narad Jayanti, it’s not merely a celebration of a legendary sage but an acknowledgement of the timeless principles of communication he embodies, principles that hold particular significance in today’s era dominated by social media. Narad Muni, as he is affectionately called, traversed the universe with his veena, spreading news, wisdom, and enlightenment. His essence as a journalist lies not just in his ability to gather information but also in the manner in which he disseminated it – unbiased, fast, and accurate. In an age where journalism is often clouded by opinion, sensationalism, and misinformation, Narad’s approach serves as a beacon of integrity and truth.
In ancient times, when communication relied primarily on oral tradition and gatherings at fairs and pilgrimages, Narad emerged as the quintessential messenger and communicator. His movements were not for personal purposes but aimed at connecting with important deities, humans, and asuras, engaging in conversations that often sparked creativity and events of public interest. Every interaction with Narad reflected a commitment to public welfare, with his questions, statements, and even sarcasm directed towards fostering unity and positive change.
Narad’s principles of communication epitomised three key characteristics essential for effective journalism: timeliness, truthfulness, and result-orientedness, all conducted with the overarching goal of serving the interests of all beings. Firstly, Narad’s ability to swiftly convey information ensured that news reached its intended recipients promptly, fostering informed decision-making and timely action. Moreover, Narad’s unwavering commitment to truthfulness ensured that his reports were grounded in authenticity and free from distortion or bias. However, what truly set Narad apart was his result-oriented approach – every communication, every dialogue, and every interaction aimed towards catalysing positive change, fostering unity, and promoting the greater good across the three Loks.
Secondly, Narad’s commitment to accuracy is commendable. Despite the vastness of his travels and the diversity of beings he encountered, he ensured that his reports were grounded in truth. In an era rife with misinformation and ‘fake news,’ upholding Narad’s standard of accuracy is essential for combating the spread of falsehoods and maintaining the integrity of journalism.
Beyond his role as a messenger, Narad was a person of great and varied learning- renowned for his scholarly wisdom, musical talents (credited as the inventor of the Veena), and deep devotion to Bhagwan Narayan. His 84 Bhakti Sutras (devotional formulas) offer profound insights into eternal principles that resonate not only in the realm of spirituality but also in journalism and media ethics.
One such sutra, Bhakti Sutra 72, advocates for unity by denouncing factors that breed discrimination in society. In an age where divisive narratives infuse media discourse, Narad’s call for unity based on principles rather than caste, education, wealth, or occupation serves as a reminder of journalism’s responsibility towards fostering inclusivity and social cohesion. Furthermore, Narad’s approach to debate, as elucidated in Sutras 75, 76, and 77, emphasises the futility of endless arguments devoid of meaningful change. In an era marked by sensationalised debates and ideological echo chambers, he prioritises constructive dialogue over rhetoric.
Narad’s journalism transcended the confines of individual interests, encompassing the welfare of all three loks. His commitment to impartial reporting extended beyond mere rhetoric, as he firmly believed in verifying news first hand. Unlike modern journalists, who may rely on secondary sources or hearsay, Narad’s dedication to personal investigation ensured the accuracy and authenticity of his reports.
Uday Mahurkar, senior journalist, political analyst, and author, when asked about ‘How significant is media education today, and why are Narad’s journalism ideals relevant in today’s context’, underscored that media literacy is very important today because it helps people critically analyse the information and news. He stressed the need for journalism to be driven by passion, citing Narad’s fervent reporting as a prime example. He lamented the scarcity of such passionate journalism in today’s time. “Devarshi Narad epitomised true and factual journalism, serving as a beacon for aspiring journalists. Narad’s journalism is committed to bridging divides and fostering understanding between people. In today’s media landscape, there is a prevalence of agenda-driven reporting, which is not good. Journalism must be unbiased and fact-based, keeping in mind the idea of nation first”, he said.
In the realm of journalism today, the influence of social media is undeniable. While it has democratised information dissemination, it has also brought forth a slew of challenges, including the proliferation of fake news and the blurring of lines between fact and opinion. In essence, Narad’s principles of communication are as relevant today as they were in ancient times.
As we navigate the complexities of modern media, journalists would do well to heed Narad’s timeless wisdom and emulate his commitment to public communication that serves the greater good. For in the pursuit of truth and social harmony lies the true essence of journalism, as exemplified by the world’s first journalist, Devarshi Narad.
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