(Image source from: First journalist – Narad})

Narad, an ancient Indian sage who appears prominently in the Hindu epics and was known for disseminating relevant information, spreading gossip and carrying tales that often led to fights, has been projected wrongly and should be held up as a "role model for positive journalism", Pranav Bhonde, editor of the Mumbai-based Vishwa Samvad Kendra told. "Narad rishi not only used to ferry information from one place to another, but he also had the sense to ferry relevant information. He would not ferry the information for personal benefit, but for the good of the people, the country and the religion," Bhonde told.

Vishwa Samvad Kendra is in the process of organizing a series of events across the country and in Goa in May, to celebrate `Maharishi Narad Jayanti`. According to the lunar calendar, Narad`s birthday fell on May 5 this year. "Maharishi Narad followed the basic tenets of journalism ages ago. The information he sourced and passed on to the people, was difficult to obtain them, when means of communication were rare," Bhonde said. "It is mentioned in the old epics and texts that whenever big incidents occurred, Maharishi Narad was invariably there. He did not miss anything. He is an idol for positive journalism. We are trying to establish this across the country," he added.

By Premji