The murder of scribe Gauri Lankesh depicts that journalism is under threat

Gauri Lankesh

Journalism as a profession took a new turn from the beginning of the twentieth century. Nationalist agitation, the rise of nationalism, the First and Second world wars and the introduction of representative government contributed to the rapid increase in newspaper readership.

In India, Journalistic freedom has been a part of freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under our Constitution. But, rational restrictions can be implied on this right in the interest of integrity and sovereignty of India, the security of the state, morality or decency, public order, in relation to contempt of court and incitement or defamation to an offense.

The significance of the freedom of press lies in the fact that for many people the panorama of personal familiarity with interesting events is unrealistic. Hence, to gather the accurate content, media act at large in the public interest. For the smooth functioning of democracy, it is necessary that every citizen of our nation is informed about news, which will eventually manufacture a rationally operated society.

'With great power, comes great responsibility', was the quote of past. The 21st century depicts is as, 'With great power, comes greater threat'. The murder of senior scribe Gauri Lankesh depicts the threat journalists are facing to show the true picture of our society. Her death has not only revealed the hidden dark secrets of this underworld but has also given us a vivid description of being truthful.

The death of Gauri Lankesh is yet another incident adding into the huge list of journalists being killed for the work they do. The act of courage had been shunted by various organizations at various point of time. In case of Lankesh, she spent most of her life fiercely fighting with the forces creating menace in the name of nationalism, caste, class and gender hierarchies.

Lankesh did not only played a pivotal role in uplifting the voice of extremists but also highlighted the challenges India is facing in the present era, like crimes being committed in the name of democracy. These goons, or her murderers, not only showcase the lawlessness which is deep-rooted in Indian administration, but also threaten and dominate the rational thinkers.

Journalists have a lot to be worried about these days; besides the fear of losing jobs, they are facing other grave dangers. The profession has never been more dangerous, and journalists have never felt so unsafe doing their jobs.

Majority of the people, who are suspected to be involved in killings of journalists, are politicians or their supporters (only suspected). Journalists are not allowed to do their job freely. When they blow the whistle against the secrets of politicians that are kept under the carpet, they are either threatened or killed.

Journalists like Gauri Lankesh are the eyes and ears for people. It is high time for governments to take the responsibility for safeguarding journalists and ensure media professionals are able to report freely without fear of being attacked or killed while doing their legitimate job.

Every job has its risks, but journalists are at greater risk than most others. The world is increasingly becoming dangerous for the journalists. Since last 12 years, around 1,000 journalists have been killed while performing their duty. On an average, 100 journalists are murdered every year, and the murderers go unpunished in most of the cases. Journalists like to tell the unheard story; they should not become the story.