Fearless Journalism: A Legacy Rekindled

Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University's Journalism Department hosted a seminar on "Fearless Journalism and Social Responsibility." The event commemorated the birth anniversary of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, a notable freedom fighter and journalist. Senior journalist Alok Mehta, the chief guest, spoke about Vidyarthi's enduring values and the current difficulties faced by the profession. He recounted his personal experiences, including his investigative reporting on the Bihar fodder scam, detailing the perils involved in challenging powerful political figures and officials. Mehta stressed that despite inherent risks and pressures, a journalist's primary duty is to uncover and report the truth. Shailesh Awasthi, another senior journalist, lauded Kanpur for its historical commitment to fearless and public-interest journalism. He noted that local journalists have consistently voiced public concerns to authorities, even during challenging times. The department head, Diwakar Awasthi, concluded by emphasizing the evolving landscape and ethical dilemmas in journalism, urging the younger generation to uphold Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi's pioneering spirit.