Hindi Patrakarita Virasat Ki Roshani Aur Sampratik Dasha

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Hindi Patrakarita: Virasat ki Roshani aur Sampratik Dasha" by Krushn Bihari Mishr:

This essay, "Hindi Journalism: The Light of Heritage and the Contemporary Situation," by Krushn Bihari Mishr, critically examines the evolution of Hindi journalism, contrasting its glorious past with its present state, and laments the decline in journalistic ethics and purpose.

The Glorious Past: Journalism as a Movement for Liberation

Mishr begins by highlighting the heroic era of Indian journalism, particularly during the struggle for independence. He emphasizes that journalism then was fueled by a fervent nationalistic aspiration to resist imperialistic oppression. Journalists of that period dedicated their lives and talents to the freedom movement, enduring immense hardships and temptations with unwavering faith and commitment. Figures like Lokmanya Tilak, who faced imprisonment, and Pandit Amritlal Chakravarty, who navigated personal struggles, are cited as examples of this dedication. The earlier generations of journalists understood their role as public leaders, driven by a profound sense of responsibility for the nation's liberation.

The Decline: Commercialization, Indiscipline, and Loss of Values

In stark contrast, Mishr paints a bleak picture of contemporary Hindi journalism. He argues that the post-independence era has witnessed a shift from struggle and sacrifice to a culture of indulgence and pleasure-seeking. Value-based journalism and discipline are now considered outdated. Today's prevalent approach is to disregard principles and pursue self-interest, with personal success often measured by adherence to this detrimental path. Indiscipline and a penchant for luxury are increasing.

Key Issues in Contemporary Journalism:

• Dominance of Capital: The influence of capital has strengthened, leading to a focus on material comforts and facilities over journalistic integrity.
• Loss of Connection to National Duty: Modern journalists are portrayed as indifferent to the nation's misfortunes and unwilling to draw inspiration from their predecessors' legacy. Instead, they are driven by a desire for personal prosperity and luxury, mirroring the consumerist culture prevalent in other societal strata.
• Erosion of Social Role: Journalism has largely moved away from its vital role in shaping societal values and consciousness.
• Decline in Personal Integrity: Mishr points to a "slippage" in the character of journalists, leading to the rapid "pollution" of the once-pure domain of journalism.
• Commercialization Over Ideals: The pursuit of profit has severely damaged the value system of journalism. Business has become the sole ideal, and advocating for ethical principles is dismissed as irrelevant. This mindset overlooks the unique nature and ethical code inherent to journalism, which distinguishes it from other professions.
• Loss of Professional Identity: Journalists, influenced by consumerism, have become indifferent to their professional distinction and the immense responsibilities associated with it. They are easily swayed by commercial and political temptations, leading to a distortion of their identity and reputation.
• Erosion of Language and Credibility: The language used in journalism has become less focused on public welfare. The erosion of language's credibility is seen as a symptom of a broader cultural crisis.
• Echoing Political Rhetoric: Journalism now often mirrors the language of politicians, whereas earlier journalists used their own intellect to guide politics and played a leading role in opposing the ruling powers. They fearlessly critiqued politicians, even figures like Mahatma Gandhi, when necessary. Today, journalists often align their language with political discourse to gain favor.
• Consumerism's Grip: While criticizing consumerism in politicians, journalists themselves have fallen prey to its allure, making it their own culture.
• Lack of Vigilance: Mishr stresses the need for greater vigilance among journalists, who are intellectuals with a significant impact on society. Even minor lapses can lead to widespread harm.
• Ethical Warnings from the Past: He recalls the admonitions of earlier stalwarts like Baburao Vishnu Paralkar, who warned journalists against prioritizing sensationalism and indecent content for the sake of sales, stating that such actions make them worse criminals than actual offenders.
• Neglect of Linguistic Responsibility: The essay highlights the historical commitment of Hindi journalists, from Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla onwards, to linguistic purity. Contemporary journalists are failing to uphold this responsibility, prioritizing popularity over refining and elevating the language, thereby contributing to its degradation.
• Attraction of Easy Lifestyles: The essay notes that the comforts and conveniences of modern journalism attract individuals seeking easy and luxurious lives, who often disregard the fundamental ethical code of the profession. The challenge of upholding integrity amidst the insatiable hunger for luxury and the dominance of commercialism is immense, with few journalists currently capable of meeting it effectively.
• Weakening of Journalistic Autonomy: Consequently, the inherent power and distinctiveness of journalism are diminishing daily. While technical advancements can be beneficial for public welfare, many contemporary journalists have succumbed to commercial pressures.
• Contrast with Literary Figures: Mishr commends literary figures like Agyeya, Bharti, Raghubir Sahay, and Manohar Shyam Joshi for their ability to use the resources of corporate establishments productively while maintaining their critical conscience and expertise. He also acknowledges the exemplary roles of editors like Heramb Mishra and the late Rajendra Mathur.
• Challenges During the Emergency and JP Movement: The essay references the "Emergency" as a significant challenge to journalism, which exposed the weaknesses of many prominent figures. The resistance against the misrule of the government by Jayaprakash Narayan and the active role of "The Indian Express" are cited as noteworthy counter-examples.
• Decline in Literary Influence: Despite making the public aware of political activities and offenses, journalism's literary and cultural role has significantly weakened. The closure of literary magazines like "Kalpana" has left a void. While some smaller literary magazines emerged, they failed to achieve the impact of their predecessors from the pre-independence era.
• Mixed Role of Daily Newspapers: While daily newspapers now allocate space for literature, the thought-provoking content is rare. "Nav Bharat Times" and "Jansatta" are noted for their literary and intellectual contributions, as are some provincial newspapers. The essay expresses hope that with a renewed aspiration for sensory development, even daily newspapers could contribute to literature and culture.
• Niche Literary Magazines: Contemporary literary magazines like "Dastavez" and "Akshara" are praised for their editor's independent vision, editing skills, and strong commitment, even if their reach is limited.
• The Importance of Independent Journalism: Mishr asserts that even when political engagement was a source of pride, journalists understood and actively worked to preserve the independent significance of literature and culture.
• The "Little Magazine" Movement's Struggles: The essay discusses the limitations of the "little magazine" movement, attributing its reduced impact to a lack of strong individual personalities and the influence of personal ambition and rigid ideological commitments. This has weakened the resistance against the negative impact of capital and political pressure.
• Responsibility of Intellectuals: Mishr argues that attributing the decline solely to specific factions is incorrect. He stresses that journalists and intellectuals have a crucial role in resisting societal degradation and that complacency is shameful. Those on a specific path have greater responsibilities and face greater austerity. If intellectuals adopt the lifestyle of the pleasure-seeking masses, the assurance of value preservation will be lost.
• The Role of the Opposition: The intellectual class has historically served as the opposition, confronting challenges with their intellect and integrity, and generating new consciousness during periods of cultural inertia. This is the role expected of them today.
• Agyeya's Critique: Mishr quotes Agyeya's poignant critique of contemporary Hindi journalism, stating that today's journalists and editors command less respect than their predecessors. He attributes this to a lack of clear ethical standards, moral foundations, and explicit moral objectives. While today's journalists may be seen as progressive in thought, their lack of ethical grounding in action makes them morally bankrupt and undeserving of respect.
• Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi's Admonition: Finally, Mishr invokes the words of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, editor of "Pratap," who in 1930 urged journalists to remain steadfast in their noble ideals, resisting the temptations of money and power. Vidyarthi expressed a heartfelt desire for newspapers to progress, but at the very least, not to regress in terms of conduct. Mishr concludes by stating that this is the minimum expectation from anyone who champions values, and by fulfilling this expectation, journalists can uphold their responsibilities and enrich their glorious heritage.