Mainstream Media No Longer Serves the Marginalized: Prof. Arun Chaturvedi
34th Foundation Day of Mahaveer Samta Sandesh Commemorated with a Thought-Provoking Program in Udaipur
Udaipur – “Today’s media has grown increasingly aligned with those in power, distancing itself from the marginalized communities whose voices need amplification the most. While media houses that serve the interests of the ruling establishment face no existential threats and are even willing to compromise ethics for profits, the alternative media that dares to speak truth to power is struggling for survival,” said Prof. Arun Chaturvedi, former Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Mohanlal Sukhadia University. He was delivering the keynote address as Chief Guest at the 34th Foundation Day celebrations of Mahaveer Samta Sandesh, a fortnightly publication committed to democratic ideals.
Prof. Chaturvedi emphasized that only by strengthening alternative media can democracy be truly safeguarded. He expressed concern over how mainstream media has become more of a propaganda tool for the state than a watchdog of democracy.
Subhash Sharma, Resident Editor of Punjab Kesari, addressed the gathering as a Special Guest and remarked that local journalism poses even greater challenges than national reporting. “It requires immense courage to pursue fair and fearless journalism today. Despite the odds, there are still many brave journalists who continue to stand by the truth,” he said. Drawing from his experience working with major national dailies like Dainik Bhaskar, Nai Duniya, Jagran, Rajasthan Patrika, and Punjab Kesari, Sharma noted the increasing commercialisation of news and the pressure to produce ‘breaking news’ in the electronic media, which has compromised the overall quality of journalism.
Another Special Guest, Prof. Vimal Sharma, former Dean of the Fisheries Faculty at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, echoed the need for committed young professionals in journalism who are aligned with its foundational ideals. He praised Mahaveer Samta Sandesh for maintaining its ethical standards even in adverse circumstances and lauded its unwavering commitment to truth.
Renowned Urdu writer and novelist Dr. Sarwat Khan also shared her thoughts, highlighting how Mahaveer Samta Sandesh has consistently raised public issues, participated in social movements, and held authorities accountable — all hallmarks of fearless journalism.
Dr. Zohra Khan, Principal of Bohra Youth Senior Secondary School, spoke about the role of journalism in amplifying the struggles of ordinary people. She mentioned the ongoing challenge at her school where the demand for an arts faculty by students is being ignored by the authorities.
The program also featured poetry recitations by veteran poet Ramdayal Mehra and senior journalist Sampat Bapna, who used their verses to reflect the state of contemporary journalism and society.
Presiding over the event, Commander Mansoor Ali, President of Bohra Youth Central Committee, made a bold statement asserting that the present government is intolerant of independent journalism. “While it has failed miserably in the international domain, it continues to persecute minorities and suppress dissenting voices at home. Journalists who dare to write the truth are being imprisoned. But such tyranny cannot last forever,” he asserted.
Earlier, Himmat Seth, Chief Editor of Mahaveer Samta Sandesh, welcomed the guests and shared a glimpse of the publication’s journey. He proudly announced that the fortnightly has now launched its own YouTube channel, which has already broadcast over 500 episodes.
The event was seamlessly moderated by Prof. Hemendra Chandalia, Editor of Mahaveer Samta Sandesh and former Dean of Manikya Lal Verma Shramjeevi College. Dr. Bharat Singh Rao offered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the program.
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