PrintFriendly
Atal ji inspired generation after generation to contribute to national life with an intense feeling of patriotism and love for the nation. The political movement which started with the aim of giving alternative in Indian politics reached a milestone in him as he became the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India who completed his full term in office. A towering personality in Indian politics, Atalji was a true statesman, a democrat, a leader, a consensus builder and, above all, a gentleman in politics. As a politician and a poet, he was equally loved and admired, cutting across political divides within the country and beyond the borders. His multidimensional personality saw his activism blossom in various fields since his early childhood, leading him to participate in the national movement. While he was praised for his oratory and poetry, his intellectual capabilities, writing skills, and understanding of various issues were recognised at a very early age as he was assigned tasks of national importance. He also left an indelible mark in the field of journalism, setting high standards in public life.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee started his public life as a journalist and was assigned the important responsibilities of editing Rashtradharma, Panchjanya, and Dainink Swadesh one after another in his initial days. Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, who was planning to start a monthly magazine by the name of ‘Rashtradharma’ asked Atalji to move to Lucknow, where the magazine was slated to be published. Atalji, along with Rajiv Lochan Agnihotri, was assigned the responsibility to edit the magazine, ‘Rahstradharma’ which was an instant success. While ‘Rashtradharma’ was gaining admirers, the pro-leftist elements were not comfortable with its rising reputation among the intellectual class. Atalji’s writings made him a respected figure among the intellectual fraternity, and ‘Rashtradharma’ became a leading publication of national repute. In the meantime, the publication of ‘Panchjanya’ started and Atal ji was given the responsibility of being its editor. There was no doubt that its first issue itself was widely praised everywhere.
But soon the office of ‘Rashtradharma’ was sealed by the administration in 1948 and staffs were incarcerated. Atalji somehow escaped and remained in hiding in Allahabad for some time. In the meantime, the court ordered in favour of ‘Rashtradharma’ and it was allowed to resume its publication. Atalji started publishing ‘Dainik Swadesh’ from the same office but the office was again sealed. Then, Atalji went to Kashi and started publishing weekly ‘Chetana’. In 1950, he again shouldered the responsibility as editor of ‘Dainik Swadesh’. But the publication could not be sustained for long due to financial difficulties as there was no support from the government. In view of the political situation of the day, there was no prospect of getting government advertisements. Atalji had to stop the publication of ‘Dainik Swadesh’ with heavy heart and he expressed his pain in the last editorial ‘Alvida (Farewell)’. Thereafter, he moved to Delhi from Lucknow and started contributing as editor of ‘Veer Arjun’. The ‘Veer Arjun’ also started gaining reputation under his stewardship but his destiny lay somewhere else. As Bharatiya Jansangh was formed, Atalji was sent to strengthen the foundation of the newly formed political party. The rest is history.
Atalji was a staunch believer in the freedom of press and its crucial role in democracy. He always believed that the democracy will be strengthened by maintaining the freedom of the press. He used to say, “Freedom of the press is a valuable asset of our democracy.” He valued the important role played by editors in society very highly as he said, “The editor should be responsible to the society and should be true to himself. One should not act against the soul, but it is necessary that the soul is kept alive first.” He was of the opinion that there should be a healthy connect between the government and media and was not in favour of any press censorship as he said, “The government should interact with the representatives of the press before taking drastic steps like implementing the system of censorship.” He had immense faith in the sense of duty of Indian media as he used to say,” Barring a few exceptions; the Indian press has maintained a high standard of journalism.” He also had hopes from the coming generation of journalist and believed in their talent and commitment to profession. He said, “Today’s journalists are more informed, more industrious, more investigative and also more aggressive.” While addressing the 11th Biennial Session of the National Union of Journalists on 12th July, 1998, he said that the Media should be more powerful in our country. Such a situation should arise so that it can compete with the international media. For this to happen, he emphasised on maintenance of quality, standard and professionalism in media as he said that the selection of news should be in such a way that it is in the interest of the society and the interest of the nation. Highlighting the role of the journalism, he said, “The morale of the society should be raised, the evils should be exposed, there is no objection to this, but overall the attitude of the press should be such that the right picture is created in the minds of the countrymen about the country and outsiders can also assess the truth about us.”
Atalji became active in politics but he always cherished his days of journalism. He once said, “I wanted to be a good journalist, but got entangled in the rough ground of politics. Politics has strangled my poetic mind. Now I have become a babbler.” But he was also aware of the problems journalism was facing as a profession as he said, “Journalism was once a mission, then became a profession and now it is becoming a business.” Addressing the 11th Biennial Session of the National Union of Journalists on 12th July, 1998 he further said, “I also started my public life with a newspaper. Back then working in the newspaper was a mission. The country was in slavery, the freedom struggle was going on, and everyone wanted to sacrifice their lives in that Yagya. Today, the face of journalism has changed. It has become a business. There is nothing wrong with being a professional. But the goal should not be just to make money. The thing that comes in print should influence the heart and mind.” On the occasion of the release of Hindi weekly Pioneer in Lucknow, 27 August 1999, he emphasised on the responsibilities of journalism and its duty to serve the ideas and larger goals in the society. He said, “Newspapers which lack resources, they have to proceed on the basis of ideas. Newspapers should not hesitate in exposing lies, but it should be done in a proper manner. It is true that newspaper is also an industry, but it is not an industry like selling soap and oil. Journalism has its own beliefs and objectives. Its responsibility is far greater. If journalism is not based on a higher purpose, then difficulties will arise. I myself have been a journalist, so I am well aware of the difficulties newspapers have to go through. Now the competition in journalism has increased a lot and newspapers compete with TV channels, which give news on every half an hour. But it is a matter of happiness that despite this, neither the popularity of newspapers has decreased nor their usefulness has been adversely affected. For any newspaper, along with news, ideas are equally important. Especially for those which have lesser resources, they will have to proceed on the basis of strength of ideas.”
Atalji has left a unique and glorious legacy in Indian politics. He in fact represented the spirit of India where democratic traditions have shaped the socio-cultural fabric of the nation. While believing in the democratic functioning within a political party and in governance, he was quick in opposing emergency and dictatorial tendencies in politics. His nationalism was imbibed with democratic spirit wherein the diversities of Indian society were to be addressed through tradition of evolving consensus on various issues of national and international concerns. In his long parliamentary life, he was able to leave his indelible mark on important issues even while being in opposition. It was by dint of his grasp over the various problems afflicting the nation that he tried to find solutions within the framework of national ethos and value system. A leader rooted to soil he was known for having political insights which showed that a true journalist was always alive in him.
His long inning in politics saw him gaining love, affection and respect more and more with every passing day. An orator par excellence, he mesmerised the masses with his magical appeal. The nation wanted to see him as prime minister and this dream was realized with the increasing support of the people in the country. As prime minster he led the country on every front with remarkable success. India emerged as a peaceful nuclear power state which became confident of itself even in the face of international economic sanctions. As a true ‘Atal’ he never buckled under pressure, never as an editor, nor as a political leader. He wrote a new saga of good governance and development while giving a massive boost to infrastructure sector and making India self reliant on various fronts. As he rightly said in one of his speeches, he has left ineffaceable imprints on the canvas of time. The path shown by him has become guiding light for the emerging New India.