Transformations in Journalism: A Tribute to Makhanlal Chaturvedi

Bhopal. The landscape of journalism has undergone substantial transformations both before and after independence. Nowadays, personal ambitions often overshadow public interest in the field. In contrast, earlier journalism was characterized by high ethical standards. The era and its individuals were remarkable. Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi played a pivotal role in elevating the nation's politics, literature, culture, and civilization through his brilliant journalism. He was not just a journalist but a warrior and an extraordinary saint, beloved by all and whose words commanded respect. This was stated by senior journalist and editor Achyutanand Mishra during the Makhanlal Chaturvedi Memorial Lecture, where he served as a guest speaker.

Mishra noted that there was hardly a prominent leader, writer, or journalist of that time who did not visit his small village, Bawai, or his workplace in Khandwa. According to him, Chaturvedi not only embodied ideal journalism but also inspired many journalists and editors of his time to contribute to the upliftment of the nation’s politics, language, and literature. He respectfully mentioned contemporaries like Madhav Rao Sapre, Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, and Hanuman Prasad Poddar, the editor of Kalyan magazine, urging the new journalists present to read about them and draw inspiration.

While discussing the poem 'Pushp Ki Abhilasha', he passionately urged the audience to reflect on the imagery that calls for flowers to be cast upon the path where brave soldiers sacrifice their lives for the motherland. This poem remains timeless due to its deep-rooted sentiments for the country. He highlighted that the Kalyan magazine continues to be published today without advertisements or book reviews, demonstrating how effectively one can express their thoughts, a lesson we can learn from the writers of that era. Chaturvedi was a staunch advocate for truth and justice.

Renowned writer and thinker Manoj Srivastava, who presided over the event, remarked that Chaturvedi envisioned journalism as an institution. At a time when journalism was often weaponized, he regarded it as a discipline, emphasizing the critical need for education in journalism. He emerged as a powerful journalist during an era when publishing newspapers was considered treason. He was acutely aware of India's language, thought, and identity. To truly understand Chaturvedi, one must navigate through the two streams of Tilak and Gandhi, drawing vigor and assertiveness from Tilak while embracing humility, ethics, and courtesy from Gandhi. He stood at the confluence of these two ideologies.

Srivastava stated that words born from truth can be more impactful than a cannon. Each time Chaturvedi emerged from jail, he returned even sharper, much like gold that shines brighter when refined. His incisive editorials led to the cancellation of a slaughterhouse project by the British government in the Sagar district. The event began with a welcome address by former Vice-Chancellor Vijay Manohar Tiwari, who acknowledged Mishra's significant contributions to the university's development. He assured that they would preserve this legacy, which Mishra initiated over three decades ago.

During the event, students from the journalism department also launched an alternative newspaper. Additionally, MP Online, under CSR, donated an e-rickshaw to the university, which was inaugurated by the guests. The vote of thanks was delivered by Registrar P. Shashikala, and the program was beautifully conducted by cultural artist Vinay Upadhyay. Faculty members, students, staff, and dignitaries from the city were present at this significant occasion.