E D I T O R I A L

A big THANK YOU and all the best
by H.K. Dua

SEVEN years is a speck in the life of an institution like The Tribune, but in the world of journalism these days a long time for an Editor. Today, it will be a few weeks less than seven years when I demit my responsibilities as the Editor-in-Chief of this celebrated newspaper. It has been an immensely satisfying innings.

The Tribune in these years has indeed travelled quite a few miles and come to be recognised as a strong regional newspaper with a national perspective. And along the way it has come to acquire a worldview which focuses on a policy of promoting enlightened self-interest for India in the emerging twenty-first century when the country, given a forward-looking leadership, can play a major role.

During these seven years we have upheld the best of the traditions The Tribune was founded on and was encouraged to grow in its illustrious career stretching over 128 epochal years.

The Tribune has always stood up for democracy, a plural society and politics and the evolution of a society where caste, creed, religion or the accident of birth does not decide the fate of a citizen — the objectives which came to be imbibed during the freedom struggle and enshrined in the Constitution.

The Tribune is indeed opposed to parochialism of any kind which in this subcontinent becomes a consuming passion leading to strife and tensions which, in turn, divert the nation’s attention from vital tasks on its plate.

This newspaper has always stood up for sustained efforts for faster economic progress, and policies to ensure a distributive dispensation where gains of growth reach the poorest of the land, for ending poverty and ensuring jobs, education, healthcare and shelter for those who have been denied these basic needs — rather basic rights — over the decades.

With six new editions in tow and the creation of a national network of news and fairly sound arrangements for covering events in Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, The Tribune has emerged as one of South Asia’s important newspapers. News, good and bad, is travelling across the geographical lines, although on the website, making mental borders increasingly irrelevant in a way.

We have not neglected social issues afflicting the region and other parts of the country. The killing of daughters before they are born, buying and selling of brides, the irresponsible behaviour of the khaps who order young husbands and wives to live like brothers and sisters, the widespread use of drugs in the region and the continuing erosion of the environment are some of the many social issues The Tribune has been taking up during the last few years. Unfortunately, the campaigns have had only a little effect on the settled mindsets rooted in traditions and reluctance to change fast. Some minds may, however, have been opened a bit, judging from the public response to The Tribune’s word.

Of particular significance has been the response of eminent writers in different walks of life who never declined our request for writing for The Tribune, participating in vital debates the newspaper has been carrying on regional and national issues.

Their writings have certainly enlightened our readers who have got used to making their own contribution through the Letters to the Editor column. Often these letters happened to bring bouquets for the paper. Often there were brickbats. We took both in our stride, believing that the essence of democracy is in the dissenting opinion, not in blind conformism.

Essentially, The Tribune has been run on the principle that it should remain a Voice of People. Credibility has always been its creed and most people indulgently have come to believe what is published in The Tribune.

This kind of faith is sustained by not just putting together a bunch of news of the day and editorials in its columns, but it is the values and a concern for high professional standards that have helped the newspaper to build a special relationship with the readers over the years.

The Tribune is not afraid to criticise where criticism is necessary. It is also not shy of praising wherever praise is well-earned. Being objective and impartial is the name of the game. The guiding principle has always been to support what is in public interest and reject what serves individual, or sectoral interests.

On this track The Tribune has travelled quite a few miles. But in a newspaper’s life, like that of an individual or a people, it is an endless journey where horizons recede and new goalposts emerge as you go along.

I was helped in my task during the years I had the privilege to be the Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper by the confidence the Trustees of The Tribune reposed in me, the willing cooperation I got from my colleagues and the massive support of The Tribune’s expanding constituency of readers who have been indulgent to me.

A big Thank you all!