M J Akbar was in Manipal to address the students of Manipal Institute of Communication. He spoke exclusively to Daijiworld's Rahul Kumar 
April 15, 2008

Here are the excerpts of interview

Q: Tell us something about your journey from a trainee journalist to a veteran journalist. How do you feel on reaching this height?

A: I had written my first piece when I was barely fifteen years old. In 1971 I started my career in journalism as a trainee journalist in 'The Times of India.' By 1973, I became the editor of 'Onlooker' magazine. Later in 1973,  I became the editor of 'Sunday' and in 1982 of ' The Telegraph'. Then around 1989, I quit journalism for politics but came back to this field again only after three years in 1992. I started a new media company in 1993 which later came out with India's first global newspaper 'Asian Age.' Since then onwards I am in this field. And I really feel nice when someone calls me a veteran journalist. At the same time I feel a sense of responsibility too.

Q: How and why did you join politics and then why did you leave it after just three years?

A: I had contested the general elections of 1989 from Kishanganj in Bihar on the Congress ticket. Then in 1991, I joined human resource ministry as a general adviser. On 6th December 1992 I left politics and came back to journalism. I had joined politics with some ambitions in my heart. But to be very honest, it is very difficult to survive in politics with honesty. There is no way to make honest money in politics. Also there were many other factors which compelled me to leave the arena of politics as well. 

Q: Since you were associated with Rajiv Gandhi, what do you think of the Bofors scandal?

A: That is history now. A lot has been talked about the scandal. I do not think there is any need to talk about that anymore.

Q: Do you think media has become more market oriented these days - True or not?

A: To some extent, I think yes. Today's media world seems to be very much influenced by the market. But there is nothing wrong in that, as long as the readers are enjoying it. However, one should be able to distinguish between  food and 'achaar' (pickles). As 'achaar' can never be a complete food, media too cannot always produce what the readers want or what sells in the market. It is also the duty of media to show the truth which is in front as well as behind the scenes.

Q:You have also authored many books in your life. Any new book you are writing at present?

A: Yes. I am writing one book which will present the true meaning (face) of minority (community). Through my book I have tried to say that minority is not a function of numbers but of empowerment.

Q: What is your take on investigative journalism?

A: I cannot say whether it is right or wrong, but I am quite sure that I will never do it. According to me, one must respect the privacy of others and should not bring the private life of someone into public space.

Q: What is your impression about Manipal?

A: Manipal is such a lovely and wonderful place, I cannot describe it in words. I found this place much better than other places I have visited in the recent past. The atmosphere of Manipal is truly amazing and I would like to visit this place again. 

(Courtesy: Rahul Kumar)