AN IDEAL OF JOURNALISM

AN IDEAL OF JOURNALISM

13-OCT-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------There is much discussion today regarding the declining standards of journalism. Questions are being raised about the credibility of journalism, and various comments are being made concerning the impartiality of journalists. There is a palpable lack of journalists who possess the courage to call out right as right and wrong as wrong. In such times, remembering the late Brahmadev Singh Sharma ‘Guruji’ brings to mind those journalistic ideals founded on honesty, impartiality, fearlessness, and a commitment to the public interest. Guruji not only upheld these ideals throughout his life but also inspired the journalists who came into contact with him to follow the same path.

His guiding principle for journalism was "friendship with none, enmity with none." Unfortunately, this principle appears to have been left far behind in contemporary journalism. When journalism fails to remain free from the pressures of power, influence, and personal relationships, its credibility inevitably suffers. Questions were raised about journalism in the past as well, but the nature of the questions currently being raised about its fundamental character is a matter of serious concern. In such times, Guruji’s life and his approach to journalism offer a significant lesson for the new generation of journalists.

Guruji’s most remarkable quality was that, before taking up his pen in support of a victim, he never considered their caste, religion, social status, or political identity. For him, the only crucial factors were who had suffered the injustice and who had perpetrated it. No matter how vulnerable the victim was, he considered it his duty to amplify their voice. Conversely, no matter how influential the perpetrator was, their status never swayed Guruji’s pen.

In the coal belt of Dhanbad, when the influence of mafia forces was at its peak—and the administration and police often refrained from taking action against them—Guruji’s pen wrote fearlessly against them. He knew that raising a voice against such forces could come at a price, yet he never allowed this apprehension to hinder his journalistic duty.

A notable instance of his fearless journalism involves Malti Majhiyain. In Dhanbad, police personnel allegedly mistreated Malti Majhiyain, the sister of a criminal. The then Superintendent of Police, Jagdish Raj, attempted to justify the police action by citing the fact that she was a criminal's sister. 'Guruji' did not accept this argument; he believed that an injustice committed against an individual could not be justified simply based on their family ties to someone else. He took up his pen in support of Malti Majhiyain and raised a strong voice against the police action.

Mentioning this incident is significant not merely because it sparked a major movement against a journalist's arrest. Its true importance lies in the fact that Guruji had earned such deep public trust through his impartiality and integrity that people did not hesitate to stand by him in times of crisis. His journalism did not just bring him renown as an editor or journalist; it established him as a symbol of public trust. This trust was not gained through publicity or influence, but through years of struggle, unbiased writing, and a steadfast commitment to the public interest.

To understand Guruji's personality, one must also consider his experiences during the freedom movement and his role as a teacher. The impact of his participation in the struggle for independence was clearly visible in his journalism. He possessed a spirit of resistance against injustice, a deep respect for freedom, and an earnest desire to improve society. As a teacher, he did not limit himself to merely highlighting society's problems; he also strove to guide it in the right direction. Society and the common man remained the central focus of his writing.

In today's times, the very idea of ​​such journalism might seem extraordinary to many. Journalism today faces commercial pressures, political and social influences, and conflicts of personal interest. Remaining impartial under such circumstances is not easy, yet difficulties do not negate the relevance of a principle. In fact, the need for principles becomes even greater during such times. Guruji’s life stands as a testament to the fact that the true strength of journalism lies not in resources or influence, but in credibility.

After independence, he began publishing a newspaper and dedicated the greater part of his life to journalism. Even on October 12, 2003—the day he passed away—he spent his entire time working on the newspaper. This episode illustrates that journalism was not merely a profession for him, but his life's purpose. He remained dedicated until his final moments to the work he regarded as his *dharma* (sacred duty).

Countless journalists learned the fundamentals of the craft under Guruji’s mentorship. The influence of his teachings and values ​​is still evident in the work of the journalists who came into contact with him. A person's true legacy is defined not by the prestige earned during their lifetime, but by the values ​​they leave behind for future generations. By this yardstick, Guruji’s legacy is truly rich.

Brahmdev Singh Sharma ‘Guruji’ was truly cut from a different cloth. He never allowed his pen to be sold or to bow down, nor did he let its edge be blunted by any influential figure. His journalism reminds us that a journalist’s primary duty is to the public, not to those in power; to the truth, not to personal relationships; and to justice, not to influence not for the sake of personal prestige.

Guruji is no longer among us today, yet his ideals remain alive. Whenever journalism faces a crisis of impartiality and credibility, the life of Brahmadev Singh Sharma will serve as a benchmark. The truest tribute to his memory would be for the new generation of journalists to draw inspiration from his fearlessness, integrity, and commitment to the public interest, and to once again embrace the guiding principle: "Friendship with none, enmity with none."