Getting a platform to air my views is what I always wanted, what I always dreamed of. In this independent country, where democracy rules, it’s our birth right to express. Everyone has a different opinion, but having one is what matters the most. When I received my confirmation mail from Rise for India, I felt like I was the happiest person alive. But the reaction I got from my grandmother was what made me think twice. This write-up being the result of it.
“Is it safe?” she asked. Just three words which took me by shock. She was reading the case of Jagendra Singh this morning and was terrified by my idea of writing. Again she asked, “You won’t be hurt, right?” I just smiled and nodded my head. She was looking at me. There was no need to say more. This is when I made up my mind to write on this topic.
Jagendra Singh, the freelance writer who died on 8th June, claimed before his death that he was burnt by the local police at the behest of minister for writing against him. But still the report says the police and administration had neither taken this incident seriously, nor took cognizance of the statement given by the deceased Jagendra.
Like Jagendra Singh, MVN Shankar in Andhra Pradesh was killed on 26th November 2014. Tarun Kumar Acharya in Odisha on 27th May 2014. Sai Reddy in Bijapur District on 6th December 2013 and 31 other journalists were killed (motive confirmed). 3 media workers were killed, 24 other journalists killed (motive unconfirmed) [1992-2015]. India has been listed as one of the deadliest countries in 2015 according to cpj.org .
Now days, whenever I go through a news paper or surf the news channels, there is always some writing or the screen flashing with the death news of an RJ or a freelance writer or a journalist. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “I realize that the sole aim of journalism should be service.” (An Autobiography or The Story of my Experiments with Truth, p. 211). Yes, it’s their duty to bring out the truth and aren’t they doing that? Don’t you feel that now a days being a part of media world is like being a soldier? A soldier is trying to protect us from any outside assault- 24×7- for as long as they serve. Similarly, the media worlds, risking their lives, are trying to protect us by showing us the truth and helping us remain safe.
I totally understand my grandmother’s concerns. “What’s the use?” you would say, “no one told them to give their lives away.” But think, even after knowing the death toll, they are there to keep you alert and updated, trying to keep you out of trouble.
Thinking of the 26/11 Mumbai Terror Attack still brings tears to our eyes. What would have happened if there had been no one to keep you updated about the ongoing where perhaps your loved one(s) was (were) stuck? They were staying there day and night, risking their lives, just to keep you posted. There are many such examples for which my words are too small. Is there anyone thinking seriously about their safety?
Many of the readers must be thinking I am speaking against the community. But no, I am just trying to say they are also one of our heroes. So, every time you surf the news channels, read a news paper, switch on a radio, read an article on net, please take a moment to thank and praise their work and every person behind it. Please be proud that even by just reading a work and nodding your head in appreciation you are giving a lot more than they can ask for. It is as if their work has been truly and fully paid, even if it was their last.
