Journalism

Part 1 of the speech given by writer A.M. Rasool Mohideen.

Our words are important. Arrangement for voice recording shows the interest among the audience. We should arrive at accurate measurement on ourselves. This will spare us troubles. My words are as noteworthy as the words of Hon’ble Manmohan Singh, Pranab Mukherji, the Chief Minister or the Governor. A journalist will not be disgraced after reaching this standard. He should have self respect. That is the cornerstone of Periyar EVR's teachings.
Thiruvalluvar goes a step further and lays down the principle of life. 'Nerunal ulanoruvan inrillai' ( Thirukkural 336). People come and go. The world moves on with this pride. Grasping this reality will save us from ego. This mentality should be our target. Journalism is a difficult field. Situation was same even in the times of Gandhiji and Nehruji. The history of journalism in England also presents us a history of service. This is in fact swimming against the tide.
Some have seen success, some have seen money and some have held the world under their sway. Many have sacrificed and many have devoted their all. Palestine writer Edward Said puts this in apt words. "I have chosen the politics of loss". Professor Marx cited these words in a tribute article written during the demise of Edward Said.
 Zho Lipo, a Chinese poet, has given a guideline. "A writer should not write sitting cosy in a closed room. It will create grave, unpardonable mistakes". Prophet of Islam says in the same spirit. Learning and teaching should go hand in hand. It is inappropriate to say that I will only preach, give commands and offer suggestions.
Journalist should simultaneously learn and teach. One should not become complacent after joining a big news organization.
An event was organized in Coimbatore to acknowledge the contributions of six people to the society. Swami Dayananda Saraswathi presided over the function. Five experts gracefully accepted the appreciation. But editor of a newspaper went on narrating his history. He revealed the relation he enjoyed with the Prime Minister. Spiritual maturity or social conscience was not reflected in his words. The journalist did not understand the theme of the event.
A journalist should grasp the expectations and then express his opinions. Growth and fall of journalism, achievements and failures, should be expressed in correct proportions.
One should enter journalism with proper mindset. Twenty years back, Tughlak ran articles on career guidance. It framed guidelines for journalism. A person entering journalism should possess a house, vehicle and money to spend. He should not expect livelihood from journalism. Otherwise he will become a traitor and burden to the field. I am in this field from 1969. I know length and breadth of this field.
A journalist should not reveal secrets. Specific incidents can be shared with people who meet certain standards. A journalist will meet people of different nature routinely and should be conscious of what he says.
A journalist becomes privy to many secrets. This is a sacred mission. It is our complete faith that this is the best way to serve humanity. But we should have the confidence, mental clarity and expertise for this. This is a penance. We should have this in the back our mind even while conversing with wife or even while sleeping. I have come to save this world. I will do what Jesus Christ and Prophet did. I will continue from where Gandhiji and Periyar left. This should be our heartbeat.
Such people will succeed. Their success will be known only to them and to those who benefited from them. It is a secret understanding. He has helped residents of a poor locality. He has supported an educational mission. He anchored an union struggle. He put a Chief Minister in their place. But these things should not be disclosed. That is the rule of the game. Journalism is more powerful than an atom bomb, faster than poison and more subtle than nano technology.
You are not alone. You are part of a big universe and you represent it. You can give course correction to America. You can divide Russia into six pieces. You can bring down a government. You can threaten a Prime Minister. All this is possible. Condition is that you should be wholeheartedly dedicated to this field. You should not have doubts. They pay me less. This should not be in your mind.

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Discussion on editorials

A discussion on the role played by media was conducted in Chitandripet, Chennai, on 25th August. Please hear the speeches below.


Translation of the speech will be posted in this blog shortly.