Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Caste and media

The article "Caste matters in the Indian media" (June 3) has answered the big question that has been nagging me since the anti-reservation protests began — why were there no pro-reservation protests. Their absence seemed highly illogical given that more than 50 per cent of the population belongs to the backward castes. For journalism to be meaningful, it should reflect the interests of all sections. Media are meant not to create sensationalism but to create awareness.

Srikanth Upputuri,
Hyderabad

* * *

Such articles do greater service to the country than those journalists who market secularism to international advertisers but when it comes to the question of representation of communities, harp on merit and efficiency. Some of us who are familiar with media behaviour, particularly in the north, are not surprised at the way the `market' prevailed over `responsibility.' The television channels are no different from those families that advertise for a `good looking, fair, convent-educated girl' for their sons. It is hoped The Hindu will not be cowed down by the tremendous market pressure too.

Vidya Bhushan Rawat,
New Delhi

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The article was quite revealing on selective media reporting that ignores the rightful aspirations of the underprivileged. The need for fair play and justice can be impressed upon the minds of readers and viewers only by an impartial media and unbiased reporting. Otherwise society will continue to remain polarised.

T.N.K. Kurup,
Bangalore

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The duty of the fourth pillar of democracy is to serve the cause of the underprivileged and the voiceless. Prejudice can be eliminated only if people from the backward sections join the mainstream media.

Nakshab Khan,
Aligarh, U.P.

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The article rightly points to the one-sided coverage of the reservation protests. The blatant 24-hour partial coverage was evidence of the lack of diversity in the Indian media, which should be seriously looked into.

Suman Saurabh,
New Delhi

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When merit is sought to be sidelined in the name of caste, anti-reservation slogans are bound to be louder. The general category students have to unite in an attempt to safeguard their rights. The media have to cover them too.

Samir Mahapatra,
Eluru, A.P.

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