Sometimes it becomes very very difficult to ascertain,as to which journalism,are we talking about?On the one hand we proclaim to be the most able,sincere, honest and more importantly,the most impartial and free journalists,in the Indian journalist fraternity,and on the other hand we question,the very freedom of journalists.The freedom, which a journalist is entitled to exercise in the process of rendering his or her journalistic services.

If we advocate freedom of media, what does that mean? It means media to be free from all pressures and constraints coming from the government, the political parties and all other sections of the society, so that media can render its services effectively and efficiently, without any bias.

Media circles have been time and again advocating the freedom of Doordarshan. Why?Because they think government should not, in any way, hamper the freedom of the Media.

So, as a journalist one should be free to interview any person to the extent that it does not tarnish the very essence of right to freedom and healthy journalism.

Yes Hafiz sayeed is on the most wanted list of Government of India. And yes he posses a constant threat to the unity and integrity of India.Yes that he is to be nabbed and tried in the Indian court of law.we want it.every Indian wants it.True,but, it is the Indian government to take care of that. And moreover journalists and media institutions are not the parallel governments, so to say, to indulge in activities that are far beyond their jurisdiction. Let government do its part and the journalists do theirs.

And in Mr.Vedic’s case government also does away with it, simply saying that whatever Mr.Vedic has done,he has done it,on his own and government has nothing to do with it.So whatever Mr.Vedic did,let government deal with it.

Further, news anchors are presumed to be civilized, gallant and chivalrous with a considerate behavior,and with a limitless capacity to listen. Words like,”What rubbish,mind your language, don’t raise your voice,keep quite etc. ought to be avoided.

And moreover when a journalist,anchors a program, it is not,his program, it is the peoples program, which has been entrusted to him, to anchor, that is all. And at the same time he is also expected to do it,without bringing a bad name to that media house.

Media houses invite panelists from different countries, and sometimes, some of them spit venom against us.and we listen to them,though it hurts us.we react also.and the shoe ends without conclusion.that is all.It does ,in no way affect the political health of India. And if at all it would have been so, then no government would allow any media house to invite such people from other countries again and again,on their shows.But for a government it is just,a mere interview, nothing more than that.

We have heard,people from across the border,while on different media shows of India, uttering statements like, rubbing India off the globe.It hurts too.But, well, it is their mindset.And said in an interview. Just an interview. Nothing more than that. If governments would fear such media interviews, then the hundreds of interviews, taken by the journalists, the world over, of the dreaded terrorists and anti social activists,would have never been allowed,to be taken at all.

Journalists work in a prescribed domain, and they should be free to work in that domain.And while doing so, they should exercise utmost restraint,and avoid being inhuman and rude to their panelists, keeping in view their age and seniority,irrespective of the fact, as to how they render their duties,in their respective fields.Because that is for the Govt.,to look into, and take cognizance of. Let law take its own course, in dealing with them.And let government handle it, the way it deems, is fit.

As a journalist,one has to learn,to respect the other journalists.India is a free country and we need to respect the freedom of speech bestowed upon us by our constitution. And above everything, we must live like proud Indians.Envying our counterparts speaks of jealousy, prejudice,hatred,inferiority complex and above all an unwarranted professional rivalry, which can be avoided through a healthy,responsible, dignified,positive and optimistic approach.

JAI HIND.