Celebrating the Legacy of Narada: Insights from a Special Lecture

Kanpur. Professor Sanjay Dwivedi, the former director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, emphasized that the public image of Narada is often misconstrued. He noted that while Narada is perceived as a figure who incites conflict, his dialogues are rooted in the spirit of public welfare. His role as a divine messenger illustrates that his communications and travels are purposeful and meaningful. He highlighted three essential qualities for journalists: credibility, continuous engagement, and the sanctity of purpose.

Professor Dwivedi was addressing a special lecture organized online by the Journalism and Mass Communication Department of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, in honor of Narada's birthday. The lecture focused on 'Self-awareness in Nationalist Journalism,' discussing the values, responsibilities, and the media's role in nation-building. The event was chaired by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak.

During the event, Professor Dwivedi remarked that Narada engages with all classes of society, including gods and demons, earning their trust as a counselor, friend, teacher, and guide. He is timeless, traversing all eras and realms. When discussing the divine, Narada's philosophical nature shines through. He comes from a great sage tradition but does not establish ashrams or monasteries; instead, he remains on a continuous journey, with each trip serving a specific purpose. His mission is to foster ongoing communication and dialogue, which ultimately leads to public welfare. He stressed that to create a beautiful world, public discourse must be rooted in purity and a sense of values, ensuring that our communication remains focused on the common good.

The event's chair, Vice-Chancellor Professor Vinay Kumar Pathak, stated that Narada is regarded as the first journalist in Indian tradition, who always prioritized truth and public interest. His ideals continue to inspire journalism students and professionals today. He pointed out that preserving journalistic values is the greatest challenge of our time. Understanding one's culture and duties is essential for national development.

Department Head Dr. Diwakar Awasthi remarked that this day is not just a celebration of a mythological figure but also a moment for introspection on the values and ideals of national journalism. The life of Sage Narada teaches us that the truth and purpose of information are more important than its speed. Program coordinator Dr. Hariom Kumar emphasized the need to establish the Narada communication model for global dialogue. Dr. Om Shankar Gupta, who conducted the program, noted that Narada's personality and work ethic serve as a guiding light for the media industry, encouraging students to study Narada's communication style.

Finally, Dr. Yogendra Kumar Pandey, the associate professor, expressed gratitude at the conclusion of the event. The program saw participation from several faculty members, including Assistant Professors Dr. Jitendra Dabral, Prem Kishore Shukla, Sagar Kanaujia, and numerous students who joined online.