Published On : Fri, Jun 1st, 2018

Media must get rid of stereotypical mindset, play role for development of society: Arun Kumar

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Nagpur: “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) always promoted the ideals of upholding Indian culture and the values of a civil society. In the RSS thinking, if India is to become ‘Vishwa Guru’ then the country must have to accept Swadeshi ideals steadfastly. For an egalitarian society and a strong India that could propound this philosophy, focus should be on social reform, economic uplift of the downtrodden, and the protection of the cultural diversity of the natives in India. Bud sadly, we have forgotten our inheritance and got trapped in western cobweb. We think had the British not come we would have been nothing. We are steel following the systems established by them. We think the systems are right. But this thinking is wrong. Change must come,” said Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Arun Kumar.

Speaking as chief guest at Devarshi Narad Journalist Award function organised by Vishwa Samvad Kendra on Thursday, Arun Kumar underlined the role of media in the overall development of the society. He said all the stakeholders in media should give a thought on the existing pattern of content generation and consumption. “In 1840, the country’s first newspaper ‘Udant Martand’ is gets published in which image of Narad Muni is prominently published at masthead. But there is no controversy. The controversy erupts only in year 2000. Why? This point needs deliberation,” he stressed and added that the edition was launched on the birth-anniversary of Maharshi Narad but nobody had challenged the intentions of publishers.

Responding to the criticism of media, Kumar said that none other than friends working in media have to break the stereotypical mindset to revive the perception of the common citizen. He further suggested that churning and deliberations on the unnecessary subject should to be avoided to regain the lost credibility.

The Akhil Bhartiya Prachar Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh observed that reservations are being expressed only by some section having pre-conceived notions about our ancient treasure. They are not in a condition to acknowledge the existence of Bharat before the colonial invasion, Arun Kumar stated.

Expressing concern over the tendency of self-negligence, the RSS functionary opined that people should refrain from underestimating Indian thinkers and media has to take initiative to educate masses about the contribution of our forefather.

Addressing the gathering, Sidharthvinayk Kane, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) suggested that media should tone-down the negative news flow. Read any newspaper, you will find headlines of 80 percent reports in negative tone, he said. Referring to the alleged nexus between media outlets and politicians, Kane advised scribes not to compromise with the ethics of journalism. “Change comes through positivity. Media must make efforts to accept this change,” the Vice Chancellor said.


On this occasion, senior Journalist Avinash Mahalakshme of Maharashtra Times, Nandu Andhare of The Hitavada, and Pravin Mudholkar of News Network 18 were honored with the Devarshi Narad Journalist Award for their outstanding contribution in the field of journalism. Prabhakar Karpe and Sushma Pachpore were also feted for their long association with Vishwa Samvad Kendra.

The programme was held at Anantrao Bhide Sabhagruha, 4th Floor, Dr Hedgewar Blood Bank, Ram Nagar. The introductory speech was made by Vishwa Samvad Kendra Nagpur chief Prasad Barve while Anil Sambre, Vidarbha Prant Prachar Pramukh, welcomed the guests. Ravi Meshram proposed a vote of thanks.