The Responsibility of Pro-People Voices in Difficult Times
Dr. Santosh Kumar Mohapatra
Since demonetisation , a large number of articles published in regional dailies have come from ruling party legislators, ministers, or those defending the ruling establishment.
In many cases, failures of the government are carefully hidden while propaganda is presented as analysis.
Today, for example, a leading daily carried an article attempting to conceal the seriousness of the NEET scam while portraying the Prime Minister as having “zero tolerance towards corruption.” The writer conveniently forgot the “washing machine” phenomenon through which many tainted leaders suddenly become “honest” after joining the ruling camp.
Under such circumstances, writing from a pro-people perspective and exposing the misdeeds of those in power has become extremely difficult and painful. Many senior professors, intellectuals, and journalists who once spoke fearlessly are no longer daring enough to do so. Silence, compromise, and self-censorship are increasingly becoming the norm.
In such a situation, what should be our responsibility?
The real imperative today is to reach more people with truth and democratic values, and to support all those who are sincerely trying to do so. Unfortunately, some among us are more interested in securing their own small share, influence, or position within platforms and organisations rather than strengthening genuine pro-people voices.
We must also remember an important reality. There are many outsiders — writers, speakers, independent journalists, and activists — who continue to raise pro-people issues with courage. At the same time, there are also people from within our own circles, despite limitations, poor antecedents, institutional pressures, rules, and regulations, who are trying to speak in favour of the people, often with even greater courage and intensity.
The question should not be whether someone belongs to “our group” or not. Irrespective of the individual concerned, if those persons consistently raises people’s issues and challenges injustice, we should stand behind them, encourage them, inspire them, and help them.
But does this really happen? Unfortunately, in many cases it does not. Rather hatred is created.
Much of the activity of trade unions and democratic organisations has become symbolic rather than continuous and sustained. Occasional programmes alone cannot build public consciousness or democratic resistance.
If democratic and pro-people voices are to survive in the present atmosphere, regular ideological engagement, continuous writing, public communication, collective support, and moral courage are essential.
History shows that silence in difficult times only strengthens authoritarian tendencies, while even a few courageous voices can inspire society and keep democratic spirit alive.
Leave a Reply