Christian journalists urged to embrace Gandhian values
George Kommattam - October 2024
In an era of increasing misinformation, polarization, and media suppression, a unique gathering of Christian journalists in India sought to revive the timeless principles of Mahatma Gandhi. The 29th annual assembly of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA), held on October 1-2 in Mangaluru, called on members to recommit to the Gandhian values of truth, nonviolence and justice in their reporting and daily practice.
The two-day event, organized to coincide with Gandhi’s birth anniversary and the International Day of Nonviolence, saw leading Catholic journalists, media professionals, clergy and human rights activists pledging to uphold these values amidst growing concerns over the integrity of India’s press.
“Our discussions revealed the deep-rooted infiltration of untruth, injustice and violence in all sections of society and the media is no exception,” lamented Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash, a prominent human rights activist, as he read the assembly’s final statement. He pointed out India’s alarming rank of 159th among 180 nations in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, a stark reminder of the press’s precarious position in the country.
The ICPA's declaration called on Christian journalists to be beacons of truth in a climate of media manipulation and censorship. “In view of Article 19 of our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and expression, we pledge to internalize and promote Gandhian values in our journalism,” the statement said, highlighting the journalists' renewed commitment to truth and nonviolence as fundamental elements of their work.
Media as the Conscience of Democracy
Bishop Peter Paul Saldanha of Mangalore, who inaugurated the assembly, underscored the critical role of Christian journalists as the “conscience keepers” of Indian society. In his address, he reminded attendees of their responsibility to uphold nonviolence and truth as central pillars of democracy, particularly at a time when attempts to suppress the truth are rampant. “The media is the fourth pillar of democracy in India, and we must ensure that it stands strong for the upliftment of society,” he asserted.
Bishop Henry D’Souza of Bellary, the ecclesiastical advisor to the association, also emphasized the critical responsibilities of Catholic journalists during his address. He lamented that news and opinions are often shaped by the interests of media owners, which distorts the journalistic mission. D’Souza stressed the importance of maintaining integrity in journalism by upholding the values of truth, justice and nonviolence, which he identified as the pillars of Gandhian journalism.
Retired Karnataka High Court judge H.N. Nagamohan Das, who addressed the gathering, further emphasized the vital role of journalists in spreading constitutional awareness. He cited Mahatma Gandhi's publications as exemplary in promoting these values and urged journalists to follow suit. “Journalists should particularly embody the Gandhian principles in their daily lives, emphasizing non-violence as the only path to world peace,” he added, reinforcing Gandhi’s philosophy as a moral compass for the press.
Upholding Truth in a Troubled Landscape
Throughout the assembly, multiple voices highlighted the struggles faced by today’s media, where ownership pressures and political interests often dictate news coverage. Experts such as writer H.S. Anupama and Father Cederic Prakash led discussions on the Gandhian understanding of truth, nonviolence and justice, outlining the significant challenges facing journalists in modern India.
In a poignant message read by Capuchin Father Suresh Mathew, the association’s secretary, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi urged the ICPA to remain steadfast in their efforts to promote ethical journalism. He encouraged journalists to remember Gandhi's belief that nonviolence is a strength, not a weakness and that their duty is to protect and inform the public with honesty and integrity.
Celebrating Courage in Journalism
The event also honoured journalists and media professionals who have made significant contributions to upholding these values in their work. Filmmaker Shaison P Ouseph, known for his impactful film “Face of the Faceless,” and Vinayak Nirmal, a motivational writer, were recognized for their contributions to social justice through storytelling. Father Antony Pancras, editor of New Leader, was also celebrated for his commitment to ethical journalism.
During the award ceremony, Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader praised the press as the watchdog of democracy, stressing that journalists have an immense responsibility to remain vigilant in the face of oppression and deceit. His words resonated deeply with the attendees, reaffirming the necessity of a free and independent press in safeguarding democratic values.
A Call to Action for the Future
The assembly concluded with a renewed sense of purpose among the Christian journalists, who left with a clear mandate to uphold Gandhian values. In a media landscape often dominated by sensationalism and the interests of the powerful, the ICPA’s call to embody truth, nonviolence, and justice has never been more relevant.
As the assembly closed, the journalists departed Mangaluru with a shared belief that their role is not just to report the news, but to be active participants in the fight for justice, peace, and truth fight that aligns closely with the values Mahatma Gandhi held dear.
This gathering, reflective of the ongoing struggles within the media, stood as a powerful reminder that in a world increasingly plagued by division and falsehood, Gandhian principles continue to offer a roadmap for journalists committed to serving the public good.
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