Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
Whither Media Maturity

Whither  Media  Maturity

Exam  Question  Controversy - 23-04-2002
News letter from VSK Gujarat - 23-04-2002

To-day's front-page main headline in the English daily "The Asian Age", published from Ahmedabad, reading in bold red letters "IF YOU DON'T LIKE PEOPLE, KILL THEM," is a clear example of misrepresentation. The headline given in the newspaper is in fact a question No. 3 (A) (3) asked in an English Language examination paper of standard XII, pertaining to grammer where students were asked to transform the sentence by removing "if". The said prose is written by E. M. FOSTER, the great novelist and is a part of official English text-book of std. XII.

However, the newspaper carried this story stating that "The Modi Government which has already poisoned the police and administration, targeted young minds by asking startling violence-related questions."

The Chairman of Gujarat Secondary Board Examination Mr. P. V. Trivedi clarified today that it was set from the text-book of Standard XII. Which is part of the syllabus since last 7 years and the paper was in-fact set by a minority community teacher well in advance in September 2001 as per prevalent practice in the country. Mr. Trivedi has expressed deep concern over such reporting.

Thus to attribute such a question, for targeting, young minds by the state Govt., is highly misleading, mere imagination, unjustifiable and to provoke the highly charged communal atmosphere in Gujarat. This appears to be clear abuse of media.

While it is the responsibility of media to present correct facts before its readers without prejudice or favours, it is also paramount responsibility of media to present news with utmost care and restraint, particularly in such delicate circumstances, after verifying the facts. The present case is a clear example of creating sensationalism.

In the meantime, the board exams have continued peacefully on the 5th day also with increased attendance of 96.63% in Gujarat.

Pradeep Jain
VSK Gujarat News, 23/4/2002
 


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements