Bihari Students rap media for state's image

"Media claims that it is projecting truth but, in fact, truth is the first casualty in media's hands", "Media only depict wrongs of Bihar" are some of the remarks made by students drawn from different schools who participated in an inter-school debate competition on "Role of media in building the image of Bihar" organised by YMCA & West Point Foundation on Wednesday.

A girl student from St. Joseph's School opened her discussion, saying: "From the pages of civic books we know that there are three pillars of democracy — legislature, executive and judiciary. Yes, there's a fourth pillar as well — the media. Sadly, both the electronic and print media depict the ruthless face of Patna," she said.

She asked fellow students to take a vow not to allow the media to take an advantage of negativity.

Criticism against media also came thick and fast from Don Bosco students who charged that it was because of the media that Bihari boys are being ridiculed outside the state.

However, a few students maintained that it was because of media that roads are being constructed, miseries suffered by people during floods are highlighted and force the government to act expeditiously.

One student even said: "The state's development is related to development of the media."

Yet another students blamed the media for exaggerating many an issue in a bid to spice up news. He regretted nobody projects talent of the state and number of IAS, IPS and IIT aspirants that compete from Bihar every year.

However, he faced strong opposition from one of his school mates. The latter cited examples of Manoj Tiwari (Bhojpuri singer) and Deepali (of Indian Idol fame) who became famous thanks to media attention.

The students' enthusiasm was reflected in the loud cheers and support they gave to their school mates who had participated in the event.

Prakash of Jean Paul School, Ara was declared first while Siddhartha of Don Bosco and Ravi of St. Michael's High School were adjudged second and third respectively.

Apart from students eminent citizens of the state capital also opined their view on role of media. Noted Gandhian Dr Razi Ahmad requested the media to present the truth "in this era of clash between the judiciary and legislature".

Almost all speakers were one in the view that media should play a responsive and responsible role instead of being in the quest of spicy news. Those who spoke on the occasion included former DGP T P Sinha, IMA national president Dr Ajay Kumar, Patna SSP Kundan Krishnan and Dr L B Singh.