‘Dissenting voices marginalised in India’
Journalist Sardesai, among the speakers at Sharjah book fair, says Indian media is facing a serious credibility crisis
One of India’s most popular journalists, Rajdeep Sardesai, has lamented the state of toxic political and media culture in his country.
The consulting editor at the India Today group, who hosts a top-rated show on India Today TV, noted that the lines between the ruling political class and journalism are getting blurred.
“The government tends to grant access, be it interviews or advertising, to a newspaper or a channel based on how friendly it is with the powers that be. Dissenting voices are marginalised. By using state power, the ruling party (Bharatiya Janata Party) has shrunk the space for dissent,” Sardesai told Gulf News.
Sardesai will be among the star speakers at the 36th edition of Sharjah International Book Fair, where he is expected to talk about his latest book Democracy’s XI — his tribute to cricket.
Passionate about cricket
“Cricket has been a lifelong passion for me. I guess I was reared in a cricket nursery where my father talked cricket with me from a young age. I played the game till first class level but was never good enough to take the next step.
“Cricket, after all, is merit driven, not a dynastical sport. Which is why I called my book Democracy’s XI. Cricket embodies that democratic spirit where people with no privileged background can also make it to the national team.”
Democracy’s XI has been hailed as an attempt to connect the past and the present of Indian cricket, to tell the story of a changing India from the time of Dilip Sardesai (Rajdeep’s father) to the age of Virat Kohli through the lives and lens of 11 cricket heroes.
“My father’s choice is a sentimental one. The others are all cricketers who had a deep impact on their generation, who were the torchbearers to take Indian cricket forward.
“From (Mansoor Ali Pataudi in the 60s, to Gavaskar and (Bishen Khan) (Sunil) Singh) Bedi in the 70s, to Kapil Dev in the 80s, to Sachin (Tendulkar) in the 90s to millennial stars like (M.S.) Dhoni and Virat (Kohli). I have even included Azhar (Mohammad Azharuddin), a cricketer who had a deep impact on cricket in positive and negative ways,” he added.
Talking about his years in journalism as a close observer of both politics and media culture in India, Sardesai advises urgent course correction.
Polarising public opinion
“Indian media faces a serious credibility crisis. People fear us, may even watch us on TV but don’t respect us. The electronic media in particular has become more about noise than news, about polarising public opinion instead of shaping it in a positive manner. We need to course correct urgently.”
Calling for a new ‘media mantra’ that looks at ‘more light and less heat’, the anchor quips, “To cultivate a better informed citizenry, we need to go back to good old-fashioned journalism based on solid ground reporting, on reflecting different viewpoints, on exploring stories beyond the usual political rhetoric.
“Less debate more news, more light less heat should be the mantra.”
Though he acknowledges that there is an attempt to muzzle voices who stand up in India, Sardesai has an optimistic outlook for his country.
“India is a unique country, a mosaic of different voices, ideologies, languages, regions and religions. India can never be homogenised. Those who attempt to do so will be defeated in the long run. Only a more inclusive agenda will eventually work in the country,” he said.
Senior Indian journalist