GODI MEDIA and INDIAN HISTORY

Godi Media: The Modern-Day Scribes of Power

In the vast and diverse landscape of Indian journalism, a new term has emerged from the desk of the journalist Ravish Kumar, one of the country’s most revered journalists. “Godi Media” has become a catchphrase, encapsulating the essence of a media ecosystem that is perceived to be not just biased, but overtly loyal to the ruling powers. Now I'm a history enthusiast, so immediately I asked myself "is it a new phenomenon?" And what I found is an interesting story of how narrative and propeganda is being used by kings, generals and businesses.

From Ancient Tablets to Modern Screens

The Divine King: To understand the dynamics of Godi Media, one must look back at history. Ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia employed scribes who inscribed stories on clay tablets, often depicting their rulers as demigods. Kings like Enmerkar and Ashurbanipal commissioned these narratives to solidify their power and justify their conquests.

Enmerkar: The Divine King of Uruk

In the annals of ancient Sumer, few names resonate with the power and prestige of Enmerkar, the priest-king of Uruk. His reign, often attributed to around 2750 BC, marked a pivotal era in Mesopotamian history, characterized by ambition, innovation, and a bold assertion of divine authority. Though he may not have been deified in the same manner as his successors, Lugalbanda and Gilgamesh, Enmerkar's legacy as the founder and first king of Uruk, and indeed, as a ruler with divine connections, is undeniable

Enmerkar's lineage was said to be divine; he was known as the son of the sun god Utu. This divine parentage provided a potent foundation for his claim to rule, positioning him as a divinely chosen leader for the burgeoning city of Uruk. It was under his visionary leadership that Uruk flourished, growing into a prominent city-state. Ancient texts credit him and his wife, Enmerkarzi, with the construction of towns, the making of bricks and brick pavements, and the establishment of irrigation canals and ditches to harness the annual floods, thereby bringing prosperity to the land

One of the most enduring narratives surrounding Enmerkar involves his ambitious campaigns against the distant land of Aratta. Enmerkar sought to adorn Uruk and build magnificent shrines, particularly a temple for the god Enki in Eridu, and he coveted Aratta's rich deposits of precious metals and stones. With the backing of the goddess Inanna, who favored him and Uruk, Enmerkar sent messengers to Aratta, demanding its submission and resources. These exchanges were not merely diplomatic; they were declarations of his divinely sanctioned right to leadership and his city's preeminence. Enmerkar, in his communications, explicitly declared himself the favorite of the gods, commanding the ruler of Aratta to yield to his authority. This firm stance, coupled with his divine backing, underscores his proclamation of being a divine king

Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Enmerkar's story is his legendary role in the invention of writing. Faced with a messenger unable to repeat a lengthy and complex message to the Lord of Aratta, Enmerkar reportedly "patted some clay and put words on it, like a tablet." This act of inscribing words onto clay was revolutionary, marking the dawn of written communication and further solidifying Enmerkar's image as a ruler of extraordinary intellect and divine inspiration. This innovation was not just a practical solution; it was a tool that facilitated his grand designs and reinforced his authoritative control, allowing his divine will to be communicated across distances

While Enmerkar's divine kingship was strongly asserted through his actions and the narratives surrounding him, it's notable that later records show he was remembered primarily as the founder and first king of Uruk, rather than being deified like Lugalbanda or Gilgamesh. Nevertheless, the epic tales of his rule, his divine connections, and his pivotal role in the development of civilization firmly establish Enmerkar as a monumental figure who, through both divine claim and ingenious innovation, shaped the course of ancient Sumer.....k

Similarly, in India, the edicts of King Ashoka and the Prayag Prashasti of Samudragupta functioned as tools of propaganda, designed to immortalize their legacies. Just as these ancient inscriptions were carefully crafted to bend narratives in favor of the king, so too do contemporary media outlets curate news to align with governmental agendas. The parallels are striking. The use of language, the selection of stories, and the framing of events all serve a singular purpose: to maintain the status quo and bolster the image of those in power.

The Pillars of Propaganda

King Ashoka’s rock edicts, which spread messages of peace and moral governance, were not just proclamations; they were strategic communications aimed at consolidating power across a vast empire. Similarly, Godi Media operates within a framework that emphasizes loyalty to the ruling party, often at the expense of journalistic integrity. The pillars of Ashoka stand as a testament to the power of written word in shaping public perception. Today, television studios and newsrooms have become the modern-day pillars, echoing the sentiments of the ruling class while sidelining dissenting voices. The curated news cycle often resembles the ancient practice of glorifying monarchs, where dissent is not just discouraged but actively silenced.

Digital Echo Chambers: The New Age Scribes

In an era dominated by social media, the role of Godi Media has evolved. Digital platforms act as the new clay tablets, where narratives are inscribed and disseminated at lightning speed. The reach is broader, but the intent remains the same: to create an echo chamber that reinforces the ruling party’s ideology. The rise of influencers and digital content creators has further blurred the lines between journalism and propaganda. Much like the ancient scribes who were commissioned to write flattering accounts of their kings, today’s digital storytellers often find themselves aligning with the narratives that best serve their interests, whether they be financial, political, or social.

The Cost of Dissent

In ancient times, dissent was often met with severe consequences. The same can be said for modern India, where journalists who dare to challenge the narrative face threats, harassment, and even violence. The chilling effect on free speech is reminiscent of the past, where the king’s word was law, and any opposition was swiftly quashed. Ravish Kumar’s critique of Godi Media is not just a commentary on the current state of journalism; it is a call to arms for those who value truth and integrity. Just as the ancient scribes had the power to shape history, today’s journalists hold the pen that can either uphold democratic values or perpetuate a cycle of misinformation.

Conclusion: The Need for a New Narrative

As we navigate through the complexities of modern media, the lessons from ancient history serve as a reminder of the power of the written word. Godi Media may dominate the current landscape, but the quest for truth remains unyielding. The challenge lies in reclaiming the narrative, not just for the sake of journalism, but for the very fabric of democracy. In a world where the lines between fact and fiction are increasingly blurred, it is imperative for journalists to rise above the fray and become the new chroniclers of truth—just as the ancient scribes once did, but this time, not for the king, but for the people.