Imphal: The sacred echoes of Devarshi Narad Jayanti resounded in Manipur as intellectuals, journalists, and cultural thinkers gathered at Bhaskar Prabha, Konjeng Leikai, Imphal West to celebrate the life and legacy of the first communicator of truth — Devarshi Narad. The event, organized by Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), Manipur, served not only as a homage to the ancient seer but also as a clarion call to the media fraternity to reclaim journalism as a service rooted in ethics and national interest.
J Nandakumar ji, National Convener of Pragya Pravah and former Chief Editor of Kesari Weekly, graced the occasion as the Resource Person. In his address, he emphasized the sanctity of words and their deeper meaning in shaping human understanding and society: “Journalists are the custodians of words; proper meaning of words gives light to the universe — and that is knowledge.”
In a deeply reflective speech on the evolution of journalism in India, Nandakumar traced its shift from a noble service to a commodified trade.
“Unlike the pre-independence era where journalism was a service to society and mankind, the present landscape is largely driven by commercial interest. News has been reduced to mere stories that are sold as products, rather than being treated as responsibilities,” he said.
He reminded the audience of Devarshi Narad’s eternal relevance, hailing him as the first journalist of the universe, one who fearlessly carried truth and wisdom across realms.
“Narad is not just a mythological figure, he represents the ideal of journalism — the fearless dissemination of enlightening knowledge.”
Citing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, Nandakumar reinforced the idea that, “Journalism should be a form of service, not merely a commercial venture.”
In a striking commentary on cultural narratives, he lamented the colonial mindset still prevalent in India’s academic and historical interpretation.
“Why do we call Chanakya the ‘Indian Machiavelli’, Kalidasa the ‘Shakespeare of India’, or Samudragupta the ‘Indian Napoleon’? This is nothing but a colonial hangover. Our heroes deserve their own space in history — not borrowed analogies.”
Aribam Robindro Sharma, Editor of Poknapham and Chief Guest at the event, echoed the sentiment and urged young journalists to uphold truth, ethics, and national values amidst growing challenges in the media landscape.
The gathering witnessed floral tributes to the portrait of Devarshi Narad, and was marked by the enthusiastic presence of students, cultural workers, journalists, and thinkers committed to the cause of value-based journalism and cultural resurgence.
As Narad Jayanti concluded, it left behind a powerful message — a call to introspect, reform, and rise above commercial and political compulsions to serve truth, nation, and society.
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