Don’t underestimate the power of a common man
I saw many people working in different professions just for their livelihood, even in journalism many work either to blackmail and earn money or sell the news for some worldly benefits. But Rana Ayyub’s profession is different, unique and motivational to the young generation of India, which teaches us money should not be only the goal of any profession either it may be engineering, medicine, law or journalism. Service to mankind, standing with the downtrodden and the marginalized in the society, fighting for social, cultural and ethical justice, struggling like army men who protect the country, we (every citizen) can become army of our own family, society and community like Rana Ayyub did for the people of Gujarat in Gujarat Files, her recently launched book . This reminded me of many lessons which my parents taught me from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Self Confidence: Rana Ayyub introduces herself in Gujarat files as “I considered myself a hardworking, mediocre reporter with a set of ideals passed on by an old school journalist father” (page-1) it is the self-confidence of individual which is his/her own strength to start a big work which may change the lives of many in constructive direction.
Accept Responsibilities: There are many people around us who always give free advice, listen to them, you don’t know which will change your life, which will be a turning point. Rana’s doctor said very important line to her “Get rid of this self-pity, stop glorifying your misery with these blood tests, you are absolutely fine. Get back to work, that’s your panacea. It’s all in your head”“…….No, you are just being plain lazy and running away from your responsibilities” (page-3)
Continuity in Struggle: Many times we see and hear that government has formed commission to the issue, buts it’s a diplomatic way to postpone and hide the issue from the mainstream media and much of general public is not bothered about what are its recommendations and suggestions. But journalist turned author Rana Ayyub never gives up and follows the issue and continues her struggle as she quotes in page-33, “Commissions of enquiry over the years have used the harshest words of criticism for the authorities and their actions, or inaction, at that time, but barring a few foot soldiers, most remained in positions of power. Perhaps emboldened by this, a slew of encounters took place in Gujarat, most of which were later to be to labelled fake, by none less than the Supreme Court of India” (In scenario of post Gujarat riots).
VIPs need Privacy: Even in the largest democratic country like India political leaders who are public representatives and servants feel they are the VIPs and see how Rana explains their privacy, “I had learnt this lesson while interviewing politicians or having off-the-record conversations with officials. They were always comfortable with fewer people around and someone simply jotting down notes” (page-38)
Dalit’s Life in Gujarat: Almost every day in news we hear assassination of Dalits and other downtrodden people of country, even top officials explain their luck as the reason in that they are born Dalit. “Page-53 quotes lines from TOI news report – this senior cop still cannot buy a house in the locality inhabited by higher castes of the village. He continues to have a house in the ‘Dalit vaas’ of kadagra. Though RajanPriyadarshi (1980 batch IPS officer) does not want to speak on subject, sources say that till last year even the village barber did not entertain Dalit customers.”
Never Give up: After the long sting operation when Rana’s own people said a Big ‘NO’ to her research work. “Tarun said, ‘Look Rana, after the Tehelka sting on Bangaru Laxman they shut our office. Modi is all set to be the most powerful man, the PM. If we touch him we will be finished.’ (page 203). I (Rana) was not convinced. Was the entire sting operation not a big risk in itself? But I was given a sharp No to every argument.’ Maithili Tyagi (sorry Rana Ayyub) put a check on PM Modi Ji and Amit Shah by Gujarat Files – Anatomy of a cover up.“Don’t underestimate the power of a common man”