In Bharatiya tradition, Devarshi Narada is regarded as the first journalist, a communicator with a vision firmly rooted in global welfare. At the Devarshi Narada Jayanti and Narada Samman event organised by Vishwa Samvad Kendra at Jayadev Bhawan, Prafulla Ketkar, Editor of Organiser weekly magazine, emphasised the timeless relevance of Narada’s communication principles for modern journalism.
Ketkar said that Devarshi Narada practiced “on-the-spot reporting,” verified facts, and used his discretion and wisdom to decide what information to share and what to withhold for the greater good of society. “Bharatiya journalists must draw inspiration from the communication style of Devarshi Narada, whose work was always aimed at universal welfare,” he stated.
He noted that Narada is a prominent figure in India’s spiritual and literary traditions, appearing in the Vedas, Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. “He transcends eras and locations, consistently reporting directly from the scene. His communication embodies three key traits: factual accuracy, the application of wisdom, and a clear purpose — the welfare of all (Sarvajan Hitaya),” Ketkar highlighted. He described Devarshi Narada not merely as an individual but as an institution of dharmic communication.
Ketkar also addressed the misrepresentation of Bharatiya symbols, stating, “At one point, many viewed Narada as a troublemaker. This narrative extended beyond Narada to several Bharatiya icons, influenced by media portrayals and British-translated texts that subtly instilled disrespect for our cultural figures.”
Reflecting on the origins of Bharatiya-language journalism, Ketkar noted that in 1826, Jugal Kishore Shukla launched the first Hindi newspaper, Udant Martand, from Kolkata, featuring Devarshi Narada on its cover. Additionally, in 1955, a committee led by K.M. Munshi officially recognised Narada as the first journalist of Bharatiya tradition.
Ketkar commended the efforts of Vishwa Samvad Kendra, which has celebrated Narada Jayanti for several years, aiming to re-establish Bharatiya values in journalism by drawing from the life and ideals of Devarshi Narada.
He said, in contrast to Narada’s ideals, many contemporary journalists have neglected their fundamental responsibilities.
Citing a recent example, Ketkar pointed out how, during wartime, the Government of India had to issue advisories asking journalists not to share real-time updates or videos of military activities, as doing so could aid enemy nations. “This reflects a serious lapse in journalistic discretion,” he said.
He further criticised the Western lens through which some journalists view India. “The problem with this group of journalists is that they fail to see India through its own perspective. They do not understand what makes India unique its USP. Instead, they constantly seek to highlight and widen internal divisions,” he added.
Ketkar emphasised that India’s intrinsic nature is democratic. “Over the past century, many countries have adopted constitutions, but very few have consistently adhered to them. India is perhaps the only country that has largely remained governed by its Constitution — barring a few periods of Emergency. This is because India’s foundational spirit is inclusion and harmony,” he stated.
Quoting Bharatiya philosophical traditions, he said, “Our sages have always said that Eeshwara is one, and people can reach the Divine through any path. This inclusiveness defines India. Here, one has the freedom to choose their own Eeshwara or even not to believe in one at all. That level of spiritual democracy is unmatched globally. It is this quality that forms India’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP).”
Referencing renowned thinker Dattopant Thengadi, Ketkar remarked, “The belief that ‘only my path is correct’ is an un-Bharatiya idea. The Bharatiya perspective is ‘my path is also correct.’ Most conflicts and wars stem from the intolerance of alternate paths.”
Shri Ketkar urged journalists to embrace the Bharatiya ethos and draw inspiration from Devarshi Narada’s model of responsible, purposeful, and truthful communication in the service of society.
Shri Ketkar said that there are many ideological groups that are fundamentally opposed to witnessing a cultural and national resurgence in India. He accused such groups of deliberately working against India’s interests and distorting narratives to mislead the public.
Citing the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, Shri Ketkar remarked, “When terrorists killed people based on their religion, these very groups spent days denying that the victims were chosen based on faith. A few days later, they began questioning the Modi government’s delay in responding to the attack. And when India conducted precision strikes across the border, destroying terrorist camps and command centers within Pakistan, hey began chanting slogans like ‘de-escalation’ and ‘we want peace.’”
He further criticized the hypocrisy of such individuals: “After India achieved its military objectives and halted the operation following Pakistan’s appeals, the same people again questioned why the operation was stopped and who ordered it to end. These individuals constantly switch identities , sometimes claiming to be liberals, sometimes Maoists, and sometimes internationalists — but never Bharatiya at heart.”
Shri Ketkar asserted that Pakistan’s very foundation is rooted in hatred for India and Hindu civilization, and its eventual downfall is inevitable. “Everything that has a beginning must also have an end. Pakistan was born out of hatred, and so, its dissolution is certain,” he said. While the Bharatiya military will confront Pakistan on the battlefield, and the Bharatiya government will engage diplomatically, the ideological battle against radical Islamist terrorism must be fought intellectually and culturally. “We need to prepare for that,” he added.
During the event, Chief Guest Brigadier (Retd) Laxmicharan Pattnaik highlighted the essential role of messengers and communicators in society. He stated, “Devarshi Narada was the first communicator in Bharatiya tradition, and his legacy continues to guide us.”
Regarding the tensions between Bharat and Pakistan, Brigadier Pattnaik commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for delivering a strong and unprecedented message to both Pakistan and the global community. He remarked, “No previous Prime Minister has issued such a clear and firm response.”
The event also recognised senior journalist Upendra Prasad Mahala with the ‘Narada Samman – 2025’ for his contributions to journalism grounded in Bharatiya values. The ceremony, held at Jaydev Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, was presided over by senior columnist Prof. Niranjan Padhi. Mahala received a certificate of appreciation, a traditional uttariya (shawl), a coconut, and a cheque for Rs 21,000.
On this occasion, Sumant Kumar Panda, Prachar Pramukh of RSS, Odisha (Poorva Prant), presented the annual report. Senior advocate Sai Prasad Das introduced the guests, while Jayakrishna Prusty, Puri Vibhag Prachar Pramukh, read the citation. Manindra Sundar Das, Sah-Prant Prachar Pramukh, delivered the vote of thanks. The event began with a musical welcome performed by students from Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, Unit-8, Bhubaneswar.
