Biased media

In modern times of turbulence and turmoil, challenges for journalists have increased manifold (Kaffeeklatsch: ‘Testing times ahead for journalists’). Some political parties discriminate among media houses, favouring a few and denouncing others. Nowadays, journalists are even getting death threats on social media platforms. Under these trying circumstances, journalists should take their responsibilities fearlessly.

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Subhash Vaid, New Delhi

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Most news channels favour sensationalism. With these channels vying to catch  the audience’s attention and  top ratings, the editorial content and quality of the programmes 

have suffered a heavy blow. Some media houses are pursuing a biased agenda in favour of a person or a political party.

P Lal Singh, Amritsar

BJP on a mission

Many of the political untouchables have come in the saffron fold as if the BJP’s cleansing chemistry has washed off all their sins (Mockingbird: ‘Hunting down the Opposition’).  One after the other, rotten apples are falling into the lap of BJP, which is on a mission to remove the Congress and the entire opposition from the country’s political landscape. After Nitish, the BJP's cleansing chemistry may even work on Lalu Yadav who may be looking for some way to get out of the dragnet he and his family are drawn in. The BJP may be dreaming of netting Mulayam, Maya and even Mamata and some southern heroes. This may be possible if some juicy baits are thrown in. Though Arvind Kejriwal remains a spoiler in the BJP’s scheme of things, it is doubtful as to how long he can continue his fight.

Prakash Hanspaul, Batala

Magical power

The concept of human library is new in the country (‘The Human Library!’). At present, the libraries provide the best reading material, but lack personal and emotional touch. It is a good idea if the authors themselves tell the stories and narrate their experiences. If not by themselves, but by someone well versed with their lives — the very idea behind human libraries. This would help visitors sort out things in their life. Interaction (personal touch) has the magical power to transform the lives of those in trouble. 

Ravi Sharma, Jammu 

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The idea of human library is motivational. It can help create a positive environment in a society full with social problems such as gender violence, sexual abuse and domestic violence. More of such libraries with interaction facilities should be opened in other parts of the country. 

Darshan Singh 'Aasht', Patiala

Dynasties dominate

The dynastic politics is mostly associated with the Congress and the Gandhi family, but other parties and families engage in it too (‘Family matters: Tassaduq comes to sister-CM's aid’). In Jammu & Kashmir, we have the ‘Abdullah dynasty’, but now the Mufti family has also joined in.  Interestingly, the BJP — the J&K government’s coalition partner — which never missed a chance to blame the Nehru-Gandhi dynastic rule for every failure, has remained silent. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi really wants to stem the malaise, he has to first start from the BJP-rules states. He can issue a directive that the governments, at the Centre or in states, can have only one member from a family in the Cabinet.

MS Khokhar by email

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