By Sonu Tyagi, Founder, Go Spiritual & Approach Entertainment
Abu Road, September 28, 2025 – In the first plenary session of the ongoing National Media Conference at Brahmakumaris’ international headquarters in Shantivan, experts delved into the critical theme of “Transparency and Trust in Mass Communication.” Senior journalists and media educators voiced concerns over the eroding credibility in the media landscape, urging a return to ethical practices rooted in truth and self-awareness.
The session commenced with a welcome address by BK Nathmal Bhai, Zonal Coordinator of the Media Wing, who introduced the distinguished speakers to the gathering of media professionals from across India.
Delivering the keynote, BK Sushant, National Coordinator of the Media Wing, emphasized the power of self-reflection in content creation. “When we work with self-awareness and create content for public welfare, it naturally becomes positive,” he said. “Our credibility and economic growth stem from transparency. If we are true to ourselves, truth breeds transparency. By staying true to our self-respect and dharma, making decisions with discernment, we face no challenges. Those content and happy within are not drawn to external luxuries.”
Sangram Keshari Sarangi, Editor of Digital Argus News Channel from Bhubaneswar, pointed out media’s responsive nature: “Media shows what people want to see. If audiences demand positive news, that’s what we’ll deliver. If everyone embraces ‘Om Shanti,’ half our work is done. Headlines often focus on war and crime, but a peaceful society would change that dynamic.”
Dr. Sanjeev Gupta, Professor at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication in Bhopal, simplified the concepts: “Trust and transparency may seem weighty, but integrating them into life is straightforward. When we connect with the Divine, no preparation is needed—just a pure heart. That’s true transparency.”
Kranti Chaturvedi, Group Editor of Navbharat from Indore, drew from ancient wisdom: “Our scriptures repeatedly describe a light shining like a crore suns. Perhaps this refers to the enlightenment from Brahmakumaris’ and journalists’ work. Traditional texts like the Ramayana, Vedas, and Shastras have long conveyed values, though they’ve eroded over time. Purity in means and ends is essential.”
Vaishali Chaturvedi, Associate Professor in the Department of Media, Communication, and Fine Arts at Manipal University in Jaipur, stressed building unbreakable bonds: “We teach students to convey profound ideas concisely. Media must foster trust akin to a child’s faith in their father tossing them in the air. A social media detox is crucial to infuse positive energy. Surrounded by crime and war reports, journalists under TRP pressures and corporate influences struggle with transparency. Delivering truthful, meaningful news makes us accountable.”
RJ Rakhi Tyagi from Radio Brijwani in Agra invoked mythological precedents: “A society’s foundation strengthens when media is transparent and accurate. Narad Ji delivered information unaltered to the gods, and Sanjay in the Mahabharata narrated events truthfully. These examples show transparency as the bedrock of trust. Distorting news creates confusion—transparency and trust are media’s soul.”
Kumar Narendra Singh, Consulting Editor of The Emerging World in Noida, lamented the growing gap: “Trust and transparency are two sides of the same coin, yet they’ve distanced from mass communication. Preserving values requires serious effort. As part of society, we reflect its virtues and vices. We must create environments fostering transparency and trust, starting with societal changes.”
Dr. Sandeep Sharma, Assistant Professor in the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at Dr. BR Ambedkar University in Agra, broadened the perspective: “It’s not just media declining—society itself is degrading. Reform begins with oneself. Without trust in mass media, it won’t sustain under institutional and societal pressures. No journalist wants their credibility questioned. Society must share responsibility; it’s a collective effort. Media is merely a small societal segment.”
Prof. Dr. Vinod Kumar Pandey, Head of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department at Gujarat Vidyapith in Ahmedabad, highlighted communication challenges: “Mass communication involves addressing multitudes simultaneously. Without credibility, people won’t trust us. Even newspapers now feature paid news. Traditional gatekeeping catches errors, but social media lacks checks, demanding self-regulation.”
Presiding over the session, Dr. Ajay Kumar Agarwal, National President of the International Chamber of Public Relations from Hyderabad, advocated personal initiative: “Good deeds start at home. A child trusts their mother completely. Where trust lacks, relationships falter. To instill trust and transparency nationwide, begin with yourself.”
The session concluded with BK Poonam Didi guiding a Rajyoga meditation practice, fostering inner peace among attendees. BK Dr. Nandini Didi skillfully moderated the discussions.
As the conference progresses, these insights underscore the urgent need for ethical journalism to rebuild public faith. Stay connected with Go Spiritual News for more updates on this enlightening event.
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