Other States - Madhya Pradesh   

Uphold human values, journalists told

BHOPAL: The speakers at a function here on Thursday to commemorate the memory of renowned journalist Manikchand Vajpayee were emphatic in pointing out that journalists should remain committed to their chosen path and uphold human values.

Veteran journalist Ved Pratap Vedic said that during the country’s freedom struggle and initial years after Independence, every journalist’s life was a true reflection of human values.

“Values remain constant and what is important is that people should be able to uphold values and change their circumstances,” said Mr. Vedic.

“When Emergency was imposed in this country, there were a few journalists who bravely faced the challenge,” he said, adding that journalism was touching its pinnacle in this country. He cited the example of Pakistan and said journalists in that country had also demonstrated the highest level of commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities.

Mr. Vedic said journalism today was in the grip of market forces. Market economy is virtually consuming our civilization, he said, adding that what is compounding the situation is the mad race to imitate America.

Mr. Vedic said many newspapers today boast of circulation but lack voice and credibility. “If the newspapers end up compromising, the readers would force them to uphold values,” he added.

Former MP R.S. Surya said people generally had started compromising on values and this was also getting reflected in the field of journalism.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Uphold human values, journalists told

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu