‘The Press’, which holds all its authority,
Now finds itself pent-up by threatening parties.
Inscribing data in papers and magazines,
Which preserve stories like rusted machines.
The light of the day starts with posts and papers,
Not only fathers, but children too read news ‘vapours’.
When the press performs its watchdog role, it must focus on the people’s interests,
Not the command of ‘Him’ who kept everything scripted.
Democracy is the political system – Of the people and For the people,
And along the way, it treats every individual as equal.
To be effective, it requires a free atmosphere,
But here, the press is under pressure, disposing of democratic misbehaviour.
‘Intelligence Gathering’ has turned into religious gossip columns,
Fading away the truth, and pitching falsehood in high volumes.
Instead of solving problems through debate and discussion,
Leaders take the path to an unknown conclusion.
As eternal vigilance is the cornerstone of democracy by empirical,
The press, supposed to be its watchdog, now seems hypocritical.
Amazingly, the press is a powerful vehicle for cultural transmission,
It can make or break a leader’s future during the country’s ignition.
We want to know what is happening in the world without adding colours to the page,
An unbiased supply of news and views will go a long way in building its image.
When facts are sacred, comments are free,
And the contribution is unparalleled within the sea.
Praising myths and capturing attention,
It was all a complex evolution and never an invention.
Where do we find an independent press that offends?
And an impartial true reader who doesn’t require friends!!!
[Yusra Firdaus is Local President of GIO, Ballari]