The fate of idealism | Indian Express

The fate of idealism | | | Indian Express: "I teach at an institute for information technology. Many of my students see news announcers as larger than life journalists, often telling me that is who they would like to be. They see Barkha Dutt and, to a lesser extent Vir Sanghvi as stars almost like our cricketers, faces we see everyday, who enter our lives in a meaningful way providing drama, competence and excitement.They create a framework of ideals, a sense that there is a sense of integrity to be admired and looked up to. The track records of these journalists were immaculate. Their understanding of violence seemed intense and immediate, their empathy with people seemed almost pervasive. When the Radia tapes were printed, there was a hush, a sense of astonishment. My students could not believe it. It was almost if Sachin, Dravid or Kumble were accused of match fixing. Something dies out in you.The world shrinks and something shrinks in you."