Narad Jayanti : "Words hold power to enlighten the world"
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 17 2025: Journalists are the custodians of words; proper meaning of the words gives light to the universe and that is knowledge, stated J Nandakumar, National convener of Pragya Prabha.

Nandakumar made the statement while addressing the gathering at the commemoration of Devarshi Narad Jayanti organized by Vishwa Samvad Kendra (VSK), Manipur, at Bhaskar Prabha, Konjeng Leikai, here today as the Resource Person.

While dissecting the transformation of journalism in India, Nandakumar in his speech, stated "From service, journalism has now become a trade" .

"Unlike the pre-independence era where Journalism was considered as a service to the society and mankind.

The present journalism is driven by economic interest while diluting ethics.

The news has become stories and started selling like a commodity.

From service, journalism has now become a commodity, Nandakumar observed while lamenting how many media houses now treated news as a product rather than a responsibility", Nandakumar, who had been the Chief Editor of Kesari Weekly, the most circulated Malayalam weekly for nearly a decade said.

"Narada is one who gives the ultimate knowledge to the world.

Devarshi Narad carries news and enlightening wisdom and is revered as the first journalist in the Universe", said Nandakumar while stating that Devarshi Narad is synonymous with a true journalist and a symbol of fearlessly spreading truth and knowledge across the three realms.

Recalling Mahatma Gandhi's editorial in his newspaper Indian Opinion 'Journalism should be a form of service, not just a commercial venture', Nandakumar appealed journalists' fraternity to return to the roots of public service and national spirit rather than chasing political mileage or commercial gain.

While highlighting the urgent need to re-evaluate the education and historical narrative, Nandakumar stated that instead of celebrating the works of our thinkers, scientists, philosophers, and warriors, we "shamelessly" call Chanakya as the 'Indian Machiavelli', Samundaragupta the 'Indian Napoleon', Kalidas 'Shakespeare of India' .

This is nothing but a "colonial hangover" .

Chief guest of today's celebration, Aribam Robindro Sharma, Editor of Poknapham also appealed the youths and journalists to stay committed to truth, ethics and national values.

The observation brings together the intellectuals, journalists, social and cultural activists as well as students.

The participants also paid floral tribute to the portrait of Devarshi Narad.

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