Symposium on Gandhi and Journalism
On March 1, 2025, two teachers of Himalaya Public Senior Secondary School , Ms. Monika Singhal and Ms. Pooja Rana attended a symposium on Gandhi and Journalism at the Satyagraha Mandap of the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Rajghat. The event aimed to explore Gandhian principles in journalism and their relevance in the modern era. Dr. Jwala Prasad, Director of Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, presided over the session, with Dr. Vedabhyas Kundu serving as the Program Officer. Prof. Arun Bhagat, a member of the Bihar Public Service Commission, was the keynote speaker, while Shri Ravi Shankar, Editor of Gaganachal (Indian Council for Cultural Relations), was the distinguished guest.
The symposium focused on various aspects of Gandhian journalism, particularly how Gandhi used newspapers like 'Indian Opinion', 'Young India', and 'Harijan' as tools for truth, ethics, and social reform. Unlike modern commercial journalism, Gandhi's newspapers never carried advertisements, and he personally determined their content and structure. The discussions emphasized that journalism should not be limited to delivering news but should also educate society and uphold moral values.
Dr. Devendra Deepak, former Director of the Madhya Pradesh Sahitya Academy, compared traditional Gandhian journalism with modern-day media practices. He explained that journalism functions in two fundamental ways— informing and educating. While today's journalism is abundant in information, it often lacks ethical depth. Gandhi believed journalism should serve as a force for positive societal change and moral upliftment. His famous statement, "My life is my message," was highlighted as a guiding principle for journalists to embrace truth and integrity.
The symposium also addressed the collaboration between NCERT and Gandhian philosophy, emphasizing how Gandhian values can be integrated into journalism and education. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism was another key topic, with discussions on how to align technological advancements with ethical reporting. Speakers stressed that journalism should be driven by service and truth rather than commercial motives.
A crucial takeaway from the event was the reaffirmation that the pursuit of truth should be the foundation of journalism. Beyond merely reporting facts, journalists should actively contribute to social awareness and positive change. In an era dominated by market-driven journalism, the relevance of Gandhian ideals is more significant than ever. The symposium concluded with the thought that journalism must go beyond news dissemination to embrace social responsibility and ethical consciousness.
The event provided valuable insights into the importance of Gandhian journalism in today's context, highlighting journalism's role not just as an information medium but as a powerful tool for social reform and moral integrity.
