Purveyors of sensationalism and falsehoods, the Indian media has once again proven it is incapable of delivering the truth to its citizens. This fall from grace is glaringly evident in their reckless, baseless reporting and their blatant refusal to even mildly fact-check their accusations.
It is a well-known fact that any news capturing national attention becomes a magnet for news channels, driven by the pursuit of high TRPs. As the investigation by authorities progresses and fewer details emerge, the media circus intensifies. Old sensational stories are revived, and rumors masquerade as facts, expertly spun by news anchors who leverage their finest acting skills to maintain viewer engagement. In this frenzy, dramatics overshadow the truth, and the audience is conditioned to chase sensation over substance.
The Case In Question
One glaring example of this media circus is the Hathras incident – a tragedy that has gripped the nation and become a goldmine for news channels eager to exploit the situation for TRPs. As new developments in the case slowed down, news agencies turned to dredging up old controversies involving spiritual leaders and preachers.
What’s particularly objectionable is the inclusion of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s name alongside other spiritual figures. This is not the first time that news agencies have tried to tarnish Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s reputation, only to be forced to issue formal apologies for their baseless propaganda. This tactic of using sensationalism to mislead the public undermines the integrity of news reporting and distracts from the truth.
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Particular media channels that need to be called out are Presswire18, Aaj Tak, TV9 Bharatvarsh, Bhadas4media, Zee News India, Navbharat Times, ABP News, News Nation Digital, to name a few.
What Do These News Channels Say?
We will go into detail of what some news agencies in question had to say about Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj.
Aaj Tak:
Claim: Sant Rampal Ji extorts money from His disciples and misuses His organisation to earn revenue.
Fact-check: The biggest question here is – Have any of these news representatives or anchors ever visited Sant Rampal Ji’s Satlok Ashrams? At every samagam held at Satlok Ashram, local authorities and police officials are present and consistently commend Sant Rampal Ji’s efforts for socially revolutionizing society. They are equally impressed by the free facilities provided to everyone at the ashrams. So, on what basis is Aaj Tak making such sweeping, unverified claims? Aaj Tak news anchor Sudhir Chaudhary stated “incomplete knowledge is dangerous”. What about incomplete research, Mr Chaudhary? You have conveniently chosen to ignore the revolutionary and socially-relevant initiatives of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj endorsed by innumerable people. This blatant disregard for the truth raises serious concerns about the integrity of their reporting.
Zee News India
Claim: Sant Rampal Ji is misusing His stature to shadow illegal activities like operating abortion centres, murders and hiding weapons.
Fact-check: There has never been any evidence linking Sant Rampal Ji’s ashrams to an abortion center, nor has he been involved in any murders or weapons possession. In fact, in Case 443, Sant Rampal Ji was honourably acquitted by the Hisar District Court. This significant fact was conspicuously ignored by Zee News and other news channels. Why such selective reporting? Is distortion of truth the new-age journalism?
Bhadas4media
Claim: The majority followers of Sant Rampal Ji are women
Fact-check: This laughable accusation can be easily debunked by a simple visit to any of Sant Rampal Ji’s ashrams. The peaceful and happy faces of His followers, from all age groups and both genders, stand as a testament to the truth. Contrary to popular misconceptions, Sant Rampal Ji’s community also includes well-educated and discerning individuals who cannot be swayed by mere sensationalism. A firsthand experience at the ashram would shatter any biases and reveal the genuine nature of Sant Rampal Ji’s work and followers.
Rampant Lies and Empty Apologies
All media houses that have falsely accused Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj in the past have faced the same outcome – issuing a written apology. This includes prominent news agencies like Dainik Bhaskar.
A very recent example is 1st India News Channel, where anchor Vijendra Solanki led a defamatory debate in August 2023, misrepresenting the book ‘Gyan Ganga’ authored by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj as an anti-Hindu text. After facing severe backlash from the Sant Rampal Ji’s disciples and a thorough examination of the book, Solanki was dumbstruck.
The lesson for news agencies is clear: Always verify the facts before making baseless allegations against Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, the sole Spiritual Guru who upholds the authentic worship as prescribed by our sacred scriptures.
2014 Incident: Media’s Cowardly Silence
When the fake gurus conspired against Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj in 2014, not a single media house chose to reveal the truth. Why? Because it would jeopardize their profits.
The elderly, women and children were brutally attacked by the police in this incident, and yet the media chose to remain silent. Why? Because it would jeopardise their profits.
Why does Indian media’s so-called ‘attention to detail’ only emerge in trivial matters like covering a multimillion-dollar wedding, where anchors can even calculate the amount of air inhaled by guests and the air quality index of the venue?
This steep decline in integrity is today glaringly back at the media houses, as the disciples of Sant Rampal Ji will not rest until an apology is tendered by all those media houses who have used Sant Rampal Ji’s name without context, alongside other fake gurus.
Anger on Indian Media: Million opposed Media for Including Sant Rampal Ji With Fake Gurus
The Indian media has been irresponsibly associating Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj’s name with fake gurus without any evidence. Sant Rampal Ji has always preached the truth and His teachings are based entirely on Sanatan Puja. The public is saddened that the current fake gurus have no connection with Sant Rampal Ji.
The media should not level any allegations without proof and should only report news after verifying the facts. “The job of the media is not to spread rumors, but to tell the truth.”
Almost more than one million people across the globe have posted on X against the inclusion of the name of enlightened sant Rampal ji Maharaj with the fake Gurus. There were a number of hashtags which were trending yesterday evening. Some of trending hashtags were:
#StopFakeNewsOn_SantRampalJi #media #mediacoverage #news #newsupdate #fakenews #SantRampalJiMaharaj #मीडिया_का_काम_अफवायें_फैलाना नहीं सच्चाई बताना है
There is all likelihood that truth bearing people will be on social media again to express their anger against Indian media.
Demanding Truth and Accountability
The exponential growth of Sant Rampal Ji’s followers and their profound testimonials attest to the transformative authenticity of His teachings.
Sant Rampal Ji’s integrity is further evidenced by His audacious invitation to spiritual leaders across India for a public debate in 2012 – a challenge that remained completely unanswered, affirming His unparalleled stature.
The media’s duty is to tell the truth, but today’s media lacks even an iota of truthfulness. They spread false and baseless accusations for the sake of TRP. It is time the media fulfills its duty to the public by reporting the truth and holding themselves accountable for their lies. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj and His followers deserve justice and an apology for the false allegations and the damage caused by irresponsible journalism.
The media must stop spreading unfounded allegations and start revealing the truth. It is time for the media to reclaim its role as the true fourth pillar of democracy, not as merchants of lies.
We demand that all the news channels mentioned in this article issue a written apology or face legal action for their propaganda against Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj. The media hasn’t just sold its soul for a few seconds of fame to defame Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, it has also trampled on the sentiments of the public.
