Nehru Centre, London
In a world dominated by information and narratives, the battle for accurate and unbiased reporting has never been more critical. Pradeep Bhandari, the founder of JAN KI BAAT, recently challenged the Western media’s portrayal of India during his talk at a significant event titled “Depth of Indian Democracy” at the prestigious Nehru Centre in London. His insightful remarks shed light on the complexities of a nation that is on its path to becoming a developed country.
With a global audience divided by the digital divide and bombarded by contrasting views, Pradeep Bhandari’s perspective on Western media’s portrayal of India gained significant attention from the audience present there. He emphasized the need for a fair and accurate portrayal of a country experiencing significant growth and transformation.
One of the central issues that Pradeep Bhandari addressed during his interaction is the bias in the way Western media reports on India’s politics. He pointed out that there is a stark contrast in how Indian politics and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government are portrayed. He asserted, “There were newspapers that said European lockdown during Covid was very good, but when India imposed the lockdown a year later, they published the story questioning why India imposed a lockdown without asking and consulting everyone.”
Pradeep Bhandari also stressed that India is no longer positioning itself as a swing power but is a leading global player. This shift in global status has ruffled feathers among those who traditionally controlled the global narrative. He mentioned the G20 event in India as a prime example of this transformation, which was beyond the imagination of those who were accustomed to dominating global conversations. Moreover, he underscored India’s changing role on the global stage. He stated, “For me, India is no longer positioning itself as a swing power, it’s positioning itself as the leading power.”
Moreover, Bhandari’s argument extended to the idea that the narrative is a contest. In this battle, the best narrative will eventually win. He explained, “In the contest of narrative, it is eventually that the best narrative will win.” This statement underscored the importance of India presenting its story in a compelling, truthful, and transparent manner to challenge preconceived notions held by those who shape global narratives.
Pradeep Bhandari’s views were echoed by noted author and political commentator Shantanu Gupta, who argued that India should no longer subscribe to the mindset that Europe’s problems are world problems but not the other way around. India is building infrastructure at an unprecedented pace, leading in the digital race, and excelling in various fields, from fighter pilots to space exploration. The message is clear: India is a global contender and deserves a more equitable portrayal in the international media.
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