Skip to main content

Journalists, teachers should 'pledge' not to be seen as loyal to particular political party

By NS Venkataraman*

It is inevitable that a coin has two sides. Similarly, every view can have an alternate view on any matter. It is very rare that all people think in the same way and agree on every point. Therefore, difference in views between individuals on any matter is nothing to be concerned about.
However, there are some professions , where the professional has to be strictly neutral and listen to all kinds of views carefully and dispassionately , look from different angles at the happenings around and then state the views on matters, that would be fair to the views and priorities from all sides, without giving impression about taking sides in any matter.
Professions like teaching and journalism call for such attributes amongst those who join these professions.
This requirement obviously implies that a teacher or a journalist cannot be an activist or agitator or be a participant in any political or sectarian group, which, if done, inevitably would be contrary to the ethos of the profession of teaching and journalism.
These days, sometimes, we see teachers and journalists pledging their loyalty to a particular political party or pressure group and involve themselves in activism in the name of fighting for what they consider as just cause. In other words, such professionals develop a closed mindset, with refusal to see the other point of view. In the process, they create an image of themselves as having “anti view” rather than impartial view.
This is happening too frequently these days and can be ignored only at the risk of losing the glorious reputation of the noble profession of teaching and journalism.
Truly, teachers are the builders of the quality mindset amongst the students in the formative age group and therefore, teachers have to be role models for the students. They have to teach the students to think objectively and train them in taking a holistic view on any matter and refrain from developing prejudiced mindset.
Students would get such a mindset, only if the teachers would conduct themselves with the lofty standards of being neutral, unprejudiced with capability of conducting dispassionate analysis . They should not only be so but also appear to be so.
In the same way, journalists have the duty to promote healthy and objective discussions amongst the people and guide them in developing an attitude of equanimity, tolerance and fairness in dealings. While the journalists are entitled to be critical on occasions, they should take extraordinary care to remain balanced in views, while making observations. Hate feelings and hateful utterances are un-journalistic behaviour.
Unlike teachers who largely operate in closed set up, journalists operate in vast areas and extended territory and therefore, any prejudiced voice of the journalists will have far reaching adverse implications on the overall societal behavior. The journalists may become a negative force, if they would not live upto the ethos of the profession, which is neutrality in outlook and approach.
Journalists would be able to play this lofty role expected of them , only if they would lead a lifestyle of simplicity and not aspiring for positions and power at any cost. Obviously, this implies they may have to sacrifice certain pleasures for the sake of the cause of journalism.
Many senior citizens think today that section of journalists are no more the fair and neutral journalists that they knew of.
Traditionally, journalists are viewed as a pillar of democratic society and they should be true to this role by having appropriate culture and value systems, that a progressive and forward looking society desperately need. The journalists have the duty and responsibility to ensure that they are recognized as dependable and trust worthy section of society that everyone can depend upon.
Traditionally, teachers and journalists are highly respected and are looked upon by the people as embodiment of wisdom and fairness. Such image should be further cultivated and strengthened.
In such circumstances, teachers and journalists functioning like activists and agitators is anachronism. One can not be an activist and at the same time remain as a journalist or a teacher.
The increasing tendency of teachers and journalists to take the role of activists need to be strongly disapproved and discouraged.
Who can do this better than the journalists and teachers themselves, who value ethos of profession and have the willingness and desire and courage to live upto the ethical and moral standards that the profession of teaching and journalism should have?
---
*Trustee, Nandini Voice for the Deprived

Comments

Arun said…
A thought-provoking post! I've been working as a journalist for a popular news channel for the past ten years. I make sure that I follow the ethos of my profession. I try hard to avoid the feeling of hatred on others. I read a lot of articles on journalism that helped me to mould myself as an ethical journalist.

TRENDING

Wave of disappearances sparks human rights fears for activists in Delhi

By Harsh Thakor*  A philosophy student from Zakir Hussain College, Delhi University, and an activist associated with Nazariya magazine, Rudra, has been reported missing since the morning of July 19, 2025. This disappearance adds to a growing concern among human rights advocates regarding the escalating number of detentions and disappearances of activists in Delhi.

How community leaders overcome obstacles to protect forests and pastures in remote villages

By Bharat Dogra  Dheera Ram Kapaya grew up in such poverty that, unable to attend school himself, he would carry another boy’s heavy school bag for five kilometers just to get a scoop of daliya (porridge). When he was finally able to attend school, he had to leave after class five to join other adolescent workers. However, as soon as opportunities arose, he involved himself in community efforts—promoting forest protection, adult literacy, and other constructive initiatives. His hidden talent for writing emerged during this time, and he became known for the songs and street play scripts he created to promote forest conservation, discourage child marriages, and support other social reforms.

‘Act of war on agriculture’: Aruna Rodrigues slams GM crop expansion and regulatory apathy

By Rosamma Thomas*  Expressing appreciation to the Union Agriculture Minister for inviting suggestions from farmers and concerned citizens on the sharp decline in cotton crop productivity, Aruna Rodrigues—lead petitioner in the Supreme Court case ongoing since 2005 that seeks a moratorium on genetically modified (GM) crops—wrote to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on July 14, 2025, stating that conflicts of interest have infiltrated India’s regulatory system like a spreading cancer, including within the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR).

The GMO illusion: Three decades of hype, harm, and false hope

By Sridhar Radhakrishnan  Three decades of hype, billions of dollars spent, and still no miracle crop. It's time to abandon the GMO biotech fairy tale and return to the soil, the seed, and the farmer. “Trust us,” they said. “GMOs will feed the world.” Picture a world where there is plenty of food, no hunger, fields grow without chemical pesticides, children are saved from malnutrition, and people live healthily.

Sandra Gonzalez Sanabria: An inspiring life from Colombia’s Amazonian valley

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat*  In the village of Héctor Ramírez, known as Agua Bonita, in La Montañita, Caquetá, Colombia, a vision of peace and renewal is unfolding. In the pre-2016 period, this would have been nearly impossible for outsiders to visit, as it was the epicenter of violent resistance against state oppression. However, after the Peace Accord was signed between the Colombian government and former revolutionaries—marking the end of a 70-year insurgency that claimed over 400,000 lives until 2025, including civilians, rebel fighters, and security personnel—things began to change. Visiting Agua Bonita during the Global Land Forum in Bogotá revealed a village of hope and resilience. Former FARC revolutionaries have settled here and transformed the village into a center of peace and aspiration.

Overriding India's constitutional sovereignty? Citizens urge PM to reject WHO IHR amendments

By A Representative   A group of concerned Indian citizens, including medical professionals and activists, has sent an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject proposed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) before the ratification deadline of July 19, 2025. 

Indigenous Karen activist calls for global solidarity amid continued struggles in Burma

By A Representative   At the International Festival for People’s Rights and Struggles (IFPRS), Naw Paw Pree, an Indigenous Karen activist from the Karen Human Rights Group (KHRG), shared her experiences of oppression, resilience, and hope. Organized with the support of the International Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self-Determination and Liberation (IPMSDL), the event brought together Indigenous and marginalized communities from across the globe, offering a rare safe space for shared learning, solidarity, and expression.

Activists allege abduction and torture by Delhi Police Special Cell in missing person probe

By A Representative   A press statement released today by the Campaign Against State Repression (CASR) alleges that several student and social activists have been abducted, illegally detained, and subjected to torture by the Delhi Police Special Cell. The CASR claims these actions are linked to an investigation into the disappearance of Vallika Varshri, an editorial team member of 'Nazariya' magazine.

India’s zero-emission, eco-friendly energy strategies have a long way to go, despite impressive progress

By N.S. Venkataraman*   The recent report released by OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2025 has predicted that by the year 2050, crude oil would replace coal as India’s key energy source. Clearly, OPEC expects that India’s dependence on fossil fuels for energy will continue to remain high in one form or another.