Lt General DDS Sandhu, Vice Chancellor, Prof Chattarpal, Deptt of Def Studies, Prof Rakesh Dutta, HoD, Def Studies, Punjab University, Vice Chancellors from various Universities, Faculty Members and Students, Members of the Media, Ladies & Gentlemen.

1.     It is indeed a great pleasure to be here at Guru Jambheshwar University (GJU) of Science & Technology, Hissar for inaugurating the newly commencing Course on Defence Journalism.  I am given to understand that this is the first Post Graduate Diploma course in this field, in the country, and, as such, the University needs to be congratulated for taking this initiative.

2.     Defence Journalism, as we all are aware, is the discipline of gathering, writing and reporting news on security issues, through various medium; adhering to standards of accuracy, quality and style. As such, defence journalists need to have in-depth knowledge of security and strategic issues as also about the hierarchy and functioning of various defence and security related agencies.

3.     Conflicts, and potential and post conflict situations, are adrenalin for the media. Added to this fact is the reality of technology having brought these direct into our living rooms and work places – 24 x 7. The politico-economic-military, psychological and moral costs of security situations are vast. It therefore follows that ‘apt’ coverage of these issues cannot be taken lightly and calls for the highest degree of responsibility, insight, understanding and propriety.

4.     In such a scenario, there are likely to be conflicting interests. The defence journalist wants ‘freedom’ whereas the security agencies want ‘control.’ The military considers itself to be the champion of national security whereas the media sees itself as the ‘voice’, ‘conscience’ as well as ‘watch dog’ of the nation. Both institutions are pillars of the nation, both are essential to overcoming conflict. What is to be understood is that media directly influences the minds of all those engaged in the conflict, from the highest policy maker to the lowest soldier. And hence it is necessary to harmonize these adversarial trends for achieving national security goals and objectives.

(Crystal Gazing on Security Scenario)

5.     Before proceeding further, let me quickly sum up the likely security scenario in the future.

6.     The situation in our immediate neighbourhood and within the country is likely to remain challenging. It has been analysed that whilst the asymmetric threats will increase, the conventional threats will also remain.  The military and security agencies are prepared to meet present threats, and undergoing transformation to cater for future security challenges. Preparing for national security challenges is a dynamic process, and there are always reviews and course corrections which are conducted to remain fine tuned and well honed.

7.     So, for those involved with defence journalism, all I can say is that ‘the well will never run dry’ and you will have ample opportunities to grow in this line of work and at the same time be of tremendous advantage to your Nation.

(Role of Future Defence Journalists)

8.  In the scenario which I just described, what would be the desirable role of the defence journalist? 

(a)      First and foremost – the person will necessarily have to be aware and always prepared. I think the successful defence journalist will be a student in perpetuity.

(b)     Secondly, and this is very important, the future defence journalist will need to have impeccable integrity and very high moral values. Without these qualities – the person can only move into negative and parochial territories.

(c)     Next, the person will have to be the master or mistress of perception management. But, in this also the person must remember the future desirable national outcome rather than immediate and small parochial victories.

(d)     Another desirable role of the defence journalist would be that of a diplomat and positive mediator. Ideally, media coverage should lead to resolution rather than fuel conflict. The new roles for the media in future conflicts should be of providing a ‘channel of communication between parties’, engaging in ‘confidence building’, serving as an ‘emotional outlet’ and acting as a ‘solution builder’.

(Indian Army and the Media)

9.  Let me now touch upon the relationship between the Indian Army and the Media and where we want to take the same.

10.     The Indian Army is building towards being a partner with the media for the national good. To that extent we have dedicated staff to be aware of the news coverage, keep in contact with relevant players and keeping the public informed. We, in the Indian Army, have nothing to hide. But, at the same time, issues of national security cannot be revealed instantly on demand.

11.     Indian Army is working towards harmonizing with the media to provide necessary requisites to the public in a seamless manner. We are committed towards the cause of our nation and its constituents and the people. We are proud of our image and will work assiduously towards proactively protecting and improving upon it. We also know that the media as our partner can contribute towards enhancing our national character and image.

12.     The bottom-line instructions to our commanders and soldiers are in the words of a retired US Army Chief - “trust the media, involve the media, make the media an ally and allow them to do their task. And most importantly, don’t lie.”

 (Flaws and Challenges – Media)

13.     There are certain flaws and challenges that future ‘successful’ defence journalists must take care to overcome. Without going into the details of these as they are self explanatory, I would just list some of them as:-

Ø          Remember, there can be an adverse effect on the ground situation by real time news coverage.

Ø          Increased public awareness and scrutiny can lead to curb on strategic and tactical functions of leaders.

Ø          Objectivity in reportage should not be impinged upon due to personal interest in the cause.

Ø          Do not propagate the brand value that Bad’ is News and ‘Good’ is No-News.

Ø          Do not use disinformation and manipulation to suit the requirement of the management.

Ø          Do not get involved in ‘Got You’, ‘Celebrity’ and ’Tabloid” Journalism.

(Conclusion)

14.     I would like to conclude with some advice to future defence journalists.

Ø          I would like you all to be fair, objective and factual in your reporting.

Ø          Try and establish, cherish and nuture your credibility. Do not in any case manufacture news, be a cheer leader or a doomsday crier.

Ø          Always be better informed, more responsible and have a better ‘back grounding’ than the other reporter.

Ø          Do not be over-critical. Factor–in the difficulties of the soldier on ground. Also factor-in the fog-of-war.

Ø          Remember you are dealing with security professionals, they know what to do and how to do it. Even as you pride yourself on your professionalism, do not decry their professionalism.

15.     I would like to conclude by thanking Lt Gen Sandhu for having provided me an opportunity for being amongst you all today. I wish all the participants good cheer and many successes ahead.

Thank You