“Dharma-based education is the university’s policy and practice,” said Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU, Delhi), on April 17 in Kozhikode. She was addressing the inaugural convocation of the journalism course jointly run by Mahatma Gandhi College of Mass Communication (MAGCOM) and JNU, held at Kesari Bhavan.
Dr. Dhulipudi emphasised that self-respect and social responsibility are essential in news reporting. It must be ensured that the news is accurate before it is published, and care should be taken not to hurt anyone unnecessarily. Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah (Dharma protects those who protect it) — this principle, she said, should be practised at all costs.
The Vice Chancellor noted that not only MAGCOM but several other institutions have been affiliated with JNU. Until a couple of years ago, several courses were offered through IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University). However, since IGNOU does not have international affiliation, all those courses are now being transferred to JNU. There is nothing wrong with JNU’s joint ventures with private institutions, she affirmed.
“Education is the foundation stone of empowerment,” she said. Addressing the graduating students, she remarked that they were receiving their certificates at a time when the education sector in Bharat is undergoing a sea change. “This is not merely a degree certificate distribution programme — today, you are stepping into a world full of opportunities.”
Prajna Pravah’s national coordinator, J. Nandakumar, expressed hope that the first batch of MAGCOM would prioritise Dharma-based journalism. Delivering the keynote address, he said, “Our country needs realistic journalism based on love and truth. We must view journalism as a profession through the lens of sacrifice.”
A media person, he stressed, must remain detached from personal interests in a world dominated by fake and paid news. Courage and impartiality should be defining traits in the pursuit of Dharma and justice. “One must move with the times, but not be swept away by the current,” he said. Journalists must be capable of resisting pressures while publishing true and accurate reports, always giving first preference to nationalism. “Truth will safeguard a journalist who endures hardships for its sake. That is the history of media.”
J. Nandakumar also recounted how the country’s freedom of speech and expression — and by extension, freedom of the press — suffered greatly under Prime Minister Nehru. Notably, the poet Majrooh Sultanpuri was imprisoned for two years for writing poems critical of Nehru. He was unable to care for his pregnant, hospitalised wife, and actor Raj Kapoor reportedly raised Rs 2,000 to support her medical expenses.
He recalled how the Organiser weekly, inspired by the Sangh, was banned by the Nehru government for publishing reports on events following Partition and Independence. The magazine warned that history could repeat itself if communal appeasement continued — referring to the horrific riots and massacres of that era.
Then Publisher Brij Bhushan challenged the ban in the Delhi High Court, which denied relief. The matter went to the Supreme Court in the case of Brij Bhushan v. The State (Union Government). The apex court struck down the ban, asserting the right to criticise anyone and affirming that rights and duties are twin principles. Organiser was allowed to resume publication, albeit under pre-censorship. Editor K.R. Malkani marked every editorial with an image of scissors — a protest against the “scissors censorship”.
Nandakumar pointed out that while the first amendment to the US Constitution was meant to guarantee freedom of speech and the press, the first amendment to the Indian Constitution was ironically to suppress Organiser. “And yet the same Nehru was hailed as the Prime Minister who invited criticism from Sankar of Sankar’s Weekly,” he said.
He further criticised those who, lacking even a basic understanding of archaeology, rejected the findings of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) concerning Ram Janmabhoomi. “Even Romila Thapar is not an exception in this regard,” he added.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit distributed the JNU certificates. MAGCOM Governing Body Chairman A.K. Prashanth presided over the event. JNU Associate Professor A.L. Geeta Soni addressed the gathering. A.K. Anuraj, MAGCOM Director and a Calicut University Syndicate Member, welcomed the attendees. MAGCOM faculty member T.S. Ujjwala proposed the vote of thanks. Renowned poet and lyricist Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri also participated in the programme. A student-prepared journal and photo magazine were released on the occasion.
MAGCOM is a venture of the Sangh-inspired Malayalam weekly Kesari, in collaboration with JNU. It also partners with NIT Calicut and the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal.
