The media professionals have heavy responsibility to shoulder for properly shaping the public opinion for ushering in overall transformation of the society. They have to do their professional work spiritedly for attaining desired lofty objectives of New India.
On the completion of 40-years in media field, O.P Sharma, a Jammu-based veteran journalist, shared details of his active career and exciting experiences in the profession, both in Government as well as in the print and electronic media. Facing a volley of questions, he spoke about his life and tackled variety of issues related to his profession. He touched upon the fast-paced technological advancements and emerging new value systems in this field. Belonging to an average family of Jammu, he held various key positions and handled sensitive assignments enriching further his expertise and experiences. Mr Sharma’s frank and candid view during a brief question-answer session with Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’ in abridged version follows:
Rajeshwar: Media, playing a pivotal role now and so shouldn’t it be more open, objective and clean with professionalism?
Sharma : Yes, I hold that these instruments of power must be seen as public trust and so act more responsibly. During freedom struggle, the media played a positive role and now is tasked to earnestly mirror public sentiments, project their problems as also suggest solutions. The media must address vital issues through enlightened public discussion involving all including poorest of poor and reach the unreached.
Rajeshwar: The media gives us speedy news now but does it supply quality and accurate news and views?
Sharma: There are good, not-so-good and even biased medium but ultimately the people are the best judge and they certainly select the most suitable. The circulation, listenership and viewership by the people do broadly indicate the merit of a newspaper, broadcasting station or television channel for their credibility and professionalism. By the way, it is significant that the number of newspapers is on the upward graph, despite the emergence of powerful broadcasting channels.
Rajeshwar: What are your views about the new emerging social media?
Sharma: The phenomenon of social media is new but its pace of popularity is on fast-track with growing impact. Right now, it has thrown up some new challenges but it is certain that the society will ultimately find solution in our mature and vibrant system.
Rajeshwar: How you see the future of the Prasar Bharti as a National Broadcaster?
Sharma: The Prasar Bharti must be re-modelled and further energized and professionalized for attaining more purposefully national objectives.
Rajeshwar: How do you rate your association with media in government and private sector?
Sharma: My conviction is to work for socio-economic transformation through the Fourth Pillar of our democratic nation. I started as Sub-Editor in J&K State Government in 1966 and went up the ladder by getting in open competition. I held important positions and handled sensitive assignments. I was actively associated with the print and electronic media till this date and still going-on in my journalistic journey.
Rajeshwar: Now let us turn a bit towards your personal life. Would you narrate a word about your journey in Journalism?
Sharma: The mass media has high potential for the talented youth with flair for expression, vast knowledge, professionally trained and public spirited persons. It is a exciting career with lot many challenges and opportunities too. Just with God’s grace and my personal choice, I first got formal education in Journalism from Punjab University Chandigarh, way back in 1963-64 and later obtained Master’s degree in History and jumped into journalistic line.
I had experience of working in the State Information set-up and superannuated in 1997 as Assistant Director (Press and Public Relations). But I do write for leading newspaper, kept engaged myself with media education with IGNOU for over 20 years and now I am editor of Starline Syndicate Service, a feature article agency.
My journalistic journey has been full of adventure and excitement as a witness to the current history.
Rajeshwar: Do you think code of conduct and ethical standards are being strictly maintained by the media?
Sharma: The media adhered to professional conduct in the yester-years, especially during the freedom movement, but now the picture is not so rosy. There is urgent need for self-introspection and self-regulation by the media itself to remain on the right track. In spite of commercial consideration media persons have to uphold moral standards in the best public interest as also their own right image. The need of hour is that the powerful media itself must provide ideal leadership for service to the society.
Rajeshwar: What is the secret of your long innings and when you want to close your journalistic work?
Sharma: I wish to go on serving in the media profession till my last breath. The printer’s ink has gone into my veins and so I shall keep holding my pen till it falls. I may also hurriedly add the hope that after me hundreds of my students and colleagues will carry forward my mission.
Early in my life, I was attracted to media by many stalwart national editors including: Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadar Tilak as well as professionals like Frank Moraes, Durga Dass, Prem Bhatia, Pran Chopra, Girilal Jain as also Mulk Raj Saraf, B.P Sharma, D.C. Prashant and many others. Once I made up my mind and ventured into this profession by choice and not by chance. I am still in it.
Rajeshwar: Do you believe that professional qualification is essential for youngsters?
Sharma: Emphatically, yes. The trainings do sharpen the skill and upgrade the media professional know-how for laying firm foundations among youngsters. Now, media persons’ knowledge has to be continuously updated and up-graded with the fast growing advances in knowledge, technology and profession.
Rajeshwar: In the present context of electronic media, what is your view about the future of printed words?
Sharma: Despite very fast growing electronic media, the print medium of books, newspapers, magazines is going to stay. You see the number of newspapers is significant. The print word has also adopted the recent technological advances and come out with internet versions, thus enlarging its scope and circulations.
Rajeshwar: Would you throw some light on struggle in your life?
Sharma: I am really grateful to Almighty and my extended family and all well wishers who always lent their unstinted support. I believe that more truly public-spirited persons with vast knowledge should dare to enter this exciting media profession for betterment of the humanity.
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