Nikhilda, the Unimpeachable Journalist

Many things have happened in the world in general, and in the field of journalism in particular, during the last ten years after Nikhilda bowed out of this turbulent existence. His life was a continuous intellectual struggle as is the work of any independent thinker and a fearless crusader for the triumph of his non-conventional views. He fought his battles with unusual sobriety, ingrained decency and a balanced approach. He was a keen observer of men and matters, eager to learn, full of zest for life and brimming with enthusiasm and always fond of good and novel things in life. Never did he show fatigue or even a trace of exasperation even through his advanced years. That was also a secret of his endearing himself to one and all.

When one observes journalists around, whether editors or others, one realises the importance of Nikhilda and other journalists of his ilk. There is no need today for the journalist to study any issue. The ready-made off-hand comments, on any problem, grave or light, suffice; provided of course they do not hurt the interests of their masters. The journalists have lost even their sense of independence since so long a time, that the virtual abolition of the office of the editor has gone unnoticed. For this, of course, some in the profession are themselves responsible since they have reconciled themselves to the post no higher than that of the menial of their masters, for a pot of mess. Gone are the days when the editors were known for their high intellectual and moral calibre. You have now to be a good PRO, an artful wheeler-dealer, a showman with airs of erudition and, mastery over the art of concealment of ignorance. Plagiarism is no problem; some of them have been practising it for years together with superb tact. Journalism has become an art of filling the space without conveying anything.

Nikhilda carried the moorings of the high traditions of the past and added to its lustre, everyday. With convictions which he carried lightly on his shoulders, mastery over subjects which he dealt with ease and superb prose; and depth and incisiveness with which he unravelled the issues which made each writing of his a profound reading. The shallowness which distinguishes the present journalese makes his writings shine all the more.

There are, alas, only a few journalists like him today who are keeping the flag of true religion of journalism flying. May their tribe increase!