From 'Nation's Shame' To 'Ram Aenge' – Two Images Related To India Today Group Tell Evolution Of Media Narratives
In a thought-provoking comparison shared by journalist Korah Abraham on X (formerly Twitter), the stark evolution of media narratives in India is brought to light through two contrasting images to India Today group – one from 1992 and the other from 2024.
The first image, a 1992 cover of India Today magazine, captures the tumultuous scene of Karseveaks standing atop the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, following its demolition. The headline boldly proclaimed, “Ayodhya: Nation”s Shame,” reflecting the prevailing sentiment of disgrace surrounding the incident.
Fast forward to 2024, and the second image depicts a dramatic transformation in India Today”s stance. The snapshot features an India Today group”s bus adorned with the message “Ram Aenge,” translating to “Ram will come,” along with an image of Lord Ram. On the bus, a reporter can be seen conducting an interview with a police officer, symbolizing the media”s active participation in covering the grand inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
Korah Abraham”s caption, “1992 and 2024. The story of Indian media,” encapsulates the shifting narrative of Indian media over the years. The juxtaposition invites reflection on how the same media outlet that once labeled the Babri Masjid demolition as a “Nation”s Shame” is now actively celebrating the inauguration of the Ram Mandir.
The Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 was a watershed moment, sparking debates on secularism, religious tolerance, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. The media”s role in framing narratives during that period was often critical and held power structures accountable.
In contrast, the 2024 image suggests a shift in focus and narrative, with India Today Group embracing the narratives of majoritarianism as described by many.
1992 and 2024. The story of Indian media. pic.twitter.com/gSEtfwzmDP
— Korah Abraham (@thekorahabraham) January 16, 2024
Ram Mandir consecration ceremony is happening after the Supreme Court on November 9, 2019 paved the way for the construction of the Ram Temple by putting an end to the centuries-old dispute between Hindus and Muslims in a historic judgement. The Supreme Court bench, while delivering the unanimous verdict which took 23 days to author and running into 929 pages, had also allocated five acres of land at a prominent place in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque.
The court had also asked the Centre to set up a trust for the construction of the temple, and the temple construction and inauguration ceremony is happening under tutelage of the trust, however the opposition have been alleging that the central government had made the consecration function as a political event. At least two of four Shankaracharyas, who are known as the most important religious leaders, have also said that they will not attend the consecration ceremony and citing failure by the trust to follow norms.
