Deliberations on upholding Gandhian values of truth, justice, and nonviolence in journalism today

By Fr. Cedric Prakash SJ

I had the honor of attending the 29th Annual Convention of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA). I am deeply grateful to the ICPA’s Executive Committee and everyone involved for allowing me the privilege of participating in this distinguished panel.

The theme of our discussions was "Gandhian Journalism" and the need to uphold truth, justice, and nonviolence in today’s world.

My presentation focused on two pivotal events: one from the Bible, the Gospel of John (8:1-11), recounting the incident of the woman caught in adultery and Jesus's response, and the other, the recent arrest of environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and his colleagues in Ladakh, who were prevented from entering Delhi the previous day. Both events were deeply relevant to the convention’s theme.

In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the powerful who sought to condemn the woman. He stood against untruth, injustice, and violence—values mirrored in the present-day struggles we face. Niranjan Bhagat, a renowned Gujarati poet, captured this event in a poem, showing how even the stones in the hands of the accusers seemed aware of the injustice. Jesus’s message was clear: only truth, justice, and nonviolence can truly prevail.

As we deliberated, the arrest of Sonam Wangchuk was making headlines. Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist, was detained on his way to Delhi to advocate for Ladakh’s Sixth Schedule rights. His arrest sparked outrage, underscoring how legitimate voices of dissent are being silenced by the ruling regime, which instead promotes falsehood, injustice, and violence.

Both of these examples remind us of the crucial role that Gandhian values must play in journalism today.

At this moment, India stands at a crossroads. Fascist, fundamentalist, and fanatic forces are dragging the country into a period marked by hatred, falsehood, and institutionalized violence. Perpetrators of heinous crimes act with impunity, often shielded by the ruling regime, and their actions are disturbingly legitimized.

Ordinary citizens bear the brunt of this failing system. ‘Good governance’ is sorely lacking, and basic constitutional rights like freedom of speech, the right to life and liberty, and religious freedom are frequently denied.

Marginalized communities—Christians, Muslims, Sikhs, Adivasis, Dalits, and other backward groups—are suffering the most. Corruption runs rampant, and there appears to be no political will to address the country’s systemic challenges.

Even independent bodies and constitutional institutions have been compromised, while repressive laws like the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Education Policy threaten the very fabric of the Constitution.

Mahatma Gandhi, a prolific writer and journalist, shaped public opinion through his publications, Indian Opinion, Young India, and Harijan. His belief in the power of the written word was matched by his commitment to truth, justice, and nonviolence—values that are more essential than ever in today’s journalism, particularly for those who believe in the teachings of Christ.

Fascist, fundamentalist, and fanatic forces are dragging the country into a period marked by hatred, falsehood, and institutionalized violence

For Gandhi, truth was non-negotiable. He introduced the concept of satyagraha, the force of truth, which played a crucial role in India’s fight for freedom from British rule. To him, truth was synonymous with God, and only through truth could one attain true knowledge and joy.

Justice, too, was central to Gandhi’s philosophy. He believed that social justice was vital for both individuals and society at large. True justice allowed people to enjoy equality, liberty, and opportunity, and Gandhi’s call for social and economic justice was intertwined with his commitment to nonviolence.

Nonviolence (ahimsa) was, in Gandhi’s view, the greatest force available to humanity. It not only meant refraining from harming others but also practicing infinite love and compassion. Gandhi saw nonviolence as including truth and fearlessness—a powerful tool for positive change in society.

At this pivotal moment, we as journalists—particularly Christian journalists—must reflect on our commitment to these values. How many of us are taking a bold and vocal stand against injustice? How many are speaking out against hate and violence? Now more than ever, we need prophetic courage to embody and promote truth, justice, and nonviolence, even if doing so comes at a cost.

Gandhi’s words still resonate today: “My religion is based on truth and non-violence. Truth is my God. Non-violence is the means of realizing Him.” On this International Day of Non-Violence, we must renew our commitment to truth, justice, and nonviolence, not just in our writings but in our daily lives. If we truly believe these values are non-negotiable for journalism, it is our responsibility as Christian journalists to make them a reality.

At this critical time, let us reflect on the words of Rabindranath Tagore:

"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high,

Where knowledge is free,

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments

By narrow domestic walls..."

It is time for all of us—especially Christian journalists and communicators—to awaken to these truths.

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*Human rights, reconciliation, and peace activist, prolific writer; has received numerous national and international awards, including the ‘Legion of Honour’ from the President of France and the ‘Kabir Puraskar’ from the President of India.This article is based on a talk delivered at the ICPA National Convention of Christian Journalists held in Mangalore on 2 October 2024

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