Within the busy newsroom , a well-regarded media house, the cacophony of typing, ringing phones, and hurried voices talking about deadlines fills the atmosphere. In the midst of this chaos is Mr. Vikram, in his role as Chief News Editor, news veteran, and mentor, at a corner desk strewn with papers and a steaming mug of coffee. Mr. Veda and Ms. Sowndravelli are at the table across from him. Mr. Veda is a vibrant young journalist who is always searching for a story. Ms. Sowndravelli is a curious trainee journalist who often innocently instigates spirited debates. They want to talk today about your commitment to journalism, both in general, and particularly as a result of some challenging circumstances recently. As the conversation progresses, they reflect on Lord Krishna’s teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, and more precisely, verse 18.78, on continuity and motivation in fulfilling your duty.
Mr. Vikram: Veda, Sowndravelli, let’s step back from the media specifications we associate with news reporting. Journalists pursue stories, deadlines and become part of a commodity. My understanding of journalism is much greater than just spoiler. It seeks to inform society, hold power accountable, tell the untold, and grant a voice to the voiceless. The pressure of the digital age, whether it’s clickbait, misinformation or decreasing budgets, can make it difficult to focus on those things, that’s why it’s important to ask, if commitment felt overwhelming, what reason could you stay committed to your purpose?
Mr. Veda: Sir, for me, it’s about conviction. Every time I am tempted to be consumed by sensationalism, corporate pressures, or the framework of the sensationalist I remind myself why I wanted to be a journalist in the first place. I want to tell stories that matter, that create change in the lives of people. But I have to tell ya, sometimes it feels like the digital landscape has taken over the meaning of Journalism, and then I wonder if we’re simply fighting a losing battlehonestly.
Ms. Sowndravelli: I’m just new to this, but I see it too. I’m training right now, and am learning that journalism is hard, and requires resilience. There is trolling, bias, and sometimes threats. But, I feel like our work is, in a sense, sacred, because it contributes to public understanding, and exposes flaws in human behavior.
Mr. Vikram: You are completely right, Sowndravelli. The last verse of the Bhagavad Gita, 18.78, states our commitment to stick to it.
The Verse (18.78)
यत्र योगेश्वरः कृष्णो यत्र पार्थो धनुर्धरः।
तत्र श्रीर्विजयो भूतिर्ध्रुवा नीतिर् मतिर् मम॥
Transliteration:
Yatra yogeshvarah krishno yatra partho dhanurdharah,
Tatra shrirvijayo bhutirdhruva nitir matir mama
English Meaning:
“Wherever there is Krishna, the Lord of Yoga, and wherever there is Arjuna, the archer, there will surely be victory, prosperity, and firm policy. This is my conviction.”
Mr. Vikram: (cont’d) This verse spoken by Sanjaya conveys the idea of Krishna calling for resolve. Arjuna was full of doubt on the battlefield between duty and morality. Krishna was calling for Arjuna to act while focussing with faith in the process and a greater purpose. For us, the lesson is to have faith in the core elements of journalism ethics, even when things are stacked against us. In this way, that victory in truth and impact is achieved when our actions are purposeful.
Mr. Veda: (with elation) That’s so inspiring sir! It almost feels like Krishna is telling us to be like Arjuna-using our words like Arjuna used his bow, strategically and purposefully! But, how can we translate this into our everyday practice? The media industry is brutal! 24/7 news cycles, limited advertising budgets, and the race to go viral! How do we ensure we stay focused on actually informing society?
Ms. sowndravelli: (enthusiastically) For me, it begins with understanding intent. Krishna talks about nishkama karma, or selfless actions without attachment to the outcomes. In journalism, it might mean coverage of stories that serve the public interest rather than those that simply get us clicks. For example, last week I was working on a story researching local sanitation workers. It isn’t exciting work, but their daily struggles need to be considered. I found it hard to commit fully to the story because my editor was pushing for something sexier, a story on a celebrity downfall. Shouldn’t we be standing up for stories that matter, regardless of how they perform on social media?Mr. Vikram: (smiling) I can see you’re getting the hang of it, Sowndravelli. That’s the challenge, right? Balancing impact with visibility? Veda, you’ve been doing this longer. How do you navigate these conflicts?
Mr. Veda: (thoughtfully) I don’t describe it differently than a tight rope walk. When I was starting, I certainly took on my fair share of glamorous stories to make a name for myself. But then what? It would feel empty to me. Now I try to be planful with my choices and anchor myself somewhere that feels purposeful. I gave a lot of time to the story about illegal mining. I did it for months. It certainly didn’t break the internet, but it led to policy changes. That’s a win Krishna would understand, not something that gets your name out there, but something bigger. The pressure to compromise your integrity is real.
Ms. Sowndravelli: Why isn’t that what Krishna says? He tells Arjuna to act without apprehensions of failure. So if our failure is simply low readership or maybe we get backlash, but all the while we are doing our duty (to tell society the truth), then we have succeeded! And didn’t I read Krishna taught that dhruva niti (firm policy) is a core factor? For us, staying true to our duty as journalists—truth, fairness, courage—despite the noise that is all around us is our dhruvanitg.
Mr. Vikram: (nodding) Well said. Dhruva niti is our guiding principle. It is maintain integrity instead of engaging in clickbait, or simply fact-examination. Gita implicitly suggests that success is only in staying committed to our duty as journalists, not in temporary applause. But it’s hard work. Burnout exists, there is public distrust and skepticism. Where do we go from here?
Mr. Veda: I rely on stories; I rely wholeheartedly! This excess shared narrative still circulates in our circles. A couple of years ago, I was assigned to cover a small-town election. The local politician was ducking difficult questions, so I decided to confined myself outside the politician’s office for three days. On the third day, he finally agreed to speak with me but only if I was willing to go with him for tea at a roadside stand. During that chaai, he unwittingly provided details about a scam that turned into my biggest story. My takeaway: Pursue what you want, sometimes it will mean baking in the sun, with only a book and a long shot.
Ms. Sowndravelli: (laughs) That is awesome, Veda! It makes me think of Krishna’s advice in staying steadfast. What stood out most to me was that you did not give up…and how that made all the difference.
To put a little bow on this to you – “In journalism, like in the Gita, the battle, is won not by the loudest headline, but by the heart that remains committed to the story.”
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