Novelist AK Bir speaks on quality journalism

Bhanja Bihar: Mr Ajit Kumar Bir, the writer of novel “Philosopher King’ delivered a talk on quality journalism at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication of Berhampur University on September 6, 2017.

Novelist Mr. Ajit Kumar Bir addressing the students in Dept

of J&MC, Berhampur University.

A poet, a playwright and an artist as well Mr. Bir discussed the importance of language in maintaining the sanctity of journalism. He attacked severely on the present degradation in use of proper language by the media professionals.

A man in his seventies, Mr. Bir, who was on a visit to the university to promote his recent novel “Philosopher King” said that Philosophy is the mother of language and language consists of Physics (physical world), Mathematics (concept) and Logic (reason). Whoever makes a balance, his language becomes perfect, he reiterated.

Speaking about media, he mentioned that media is the fourth pillar of governance and journalists are the guardians of the people or society. He invoked the students to be interested in investigative journalism by which they can identify the root cause of an issue and protect the honour of journalism profession.

Encouraging the students, Mr. Bir, who used to teach history in MPC College, Baripada in Odisha, said they should learn to ask questions rather than just accepting information as it is provided. This quality of an individual can turn him a true journalist, he added.

Giving a gist of his recent novel which is published in six parts, he said the term ‘Philosopher’ in his novel symbolises Guru Brihaspati and ‘King’ is Indra, the king of heaven. Two boys, Eiti and Neiti, represent the earthly concerns. He ended his talk with message that “Good things attract while bad things detract.”

Faculty members of the department Mr. Sudarsan Sahoo and Dr. Hari Krishna Behera were also present during the talk.

(A report by Alka Digal, J&MC, Semester-III, 2017)