Media Makers of Rajasthan – Kalyan Singh Kothari (7-06-1942- 18-05-2026)

Prof. (Dr.) RAMESH KUMAR RAWAT Registrar Sikkim Professional University, Gangtok, Sikkim

PART-2 

Legal Journalism

After passing his LL.B. examination, Shri Kothari had the opportunity to report on and publish judgments delivered by the Rajasthan High Court. He carried out his legal reporting under the mentorship of renowned lawyers. He gathered news by maintaining contacts with lower-ranking judicial officials and practicing lawyers. He remained scrupulously vigilant to ensure that no inaccurate reports or incorrect details regarding court judgments were ever published, always prioritizing truth and accuracy.

(Shri Kalyan Singh Kothari)

Political Journalism

Shri Kothari had a strong inclination toward political journalism. He explains that politicians often communicate in distinct ways; therefore, it is essential to understand the precise context and intent behind their remarks. Their underlying message must be systematically articulated in journalistic writing and effectively conveyed to readers. At times, journalists develop close personal ties with politicians, leading both sides to attempt to leverage such relationships for mutual benefit. One must remain cautious and vigilant against this. During the reporting of Assembly proceedings, the ‘Question Hour’ was a particularly fascinating segment.

Development Journalism

Shri Kothari explains how development journalism can be practiced within a social context and effectively integrated into academic curricula. To address the perspective teachers should adopt toward this subject—and to determine how it could be incorporated into the syllabus—he organized two round-table conferences in collaboration with the University of Rajasthan. Renowned media educators from across the country, along with representatives from the Press Council, the Rajya Sabha, newspapers, and television channels, participated in detailed deliberations on the subject.

Child Protection and Panchayat Journalism

While practicing journalism in this field, journalists must keep several factors in mind. Reporting on children requires great prudence and sensitivity. A child’s identity should never be disclosed, and photographs should be published only with explicit consent. Numerous guidelines have been established for journalists in this regard, and reports should be written only after fully understanding these protocols. Furthermore, no objectionable or derogatory content concerning children should be published. Media professionals are expected to uphold all these ethical responsibilities.

UN Bodies and Civil Society Journalism

Shri Kothari explained that “UN Bodies and Civil Society Journalism” encompasses reporting related to national and international organizations, including UN agencies such as UNICEF, as well as initiatives like the Millennium Development Campaign. This field involves disseminating and promoting the objectives of the United Nations at both national and international levels. Approximately 165 nations, including India, are affiliated with the United Nations, which actively works across diverse sectors.

Citizen Journalism

Nowadays, citizen journalism is frequently carried out through websites and social media platforms. Individuals voluntarily create and upload various forms of content online. It is not necessary for such content to appear in newspapers, as social media itself serves as a powerful medium with a distinct influence. It has played a pivotal role in the growth of citizen journalism. Many newspapers and television channels source material from social media platforms and later publish or broadcast it through their own outlets. Platforms such as YouTube, websites, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Google can all serve as news sources in citizen journalism.

Investigative Journalism

Shri Kothari produced numerous stories in the field of investigative journalism. He observes that whenever a lead emerges—or when one intends to work on a specific story—it is essential to gather comprehensive material and background references. A thorough investigation is required. Journalists must consult subject-matter experts, examine events from multiple perspectives, and construct a complete narrative. Such stories should never be published hastily. Instead, they should be refined and expanded by incorporating additional facts and perspectives, seeking feedback from sub-editors and knowledgeable individuals, and making necessary revisions. To ensure credibility, all content and facts must be rigorously cross-checked and verified for accuracy.

Economic Journalism

Shri Kothari also authored numerous reports on economic subjects, many of which were published in newspapers from time to time. He had studied Economics during his graduation and held a deep passion for the subject. During that period, he wrote several articles related to economics; some were published in The Economic Times, while others appeared on the business pages of various newspapers.

Journalism on Cultural and Historical Sites

Kalyanji remained actively involved in journalism focusing on historical sites and cultural heritage. This engagement stemmed from the fact that his brothers—Komal Kothari and Keshav Kothari—were deeply connected with cultural heritage and traditions. He also maintained close contacts with numerous artists. Consequently, Dr. Manohar Prabhakar, editor of the Sunday magazine supplement of Rajasthan Patrika, regularly published his articles on historical sites. In addition to this magazine, many of his articles on the subject appeared in several other newspapers.

Health Journalism

Health journalism involves collecting and writing news related to health. Shri Kothari made significant contributions to this field as well. He collaborated with IHMR, a renowned health-related organization, on a project addressing child malnutrition. Furthermore, in partnership with UNICEF, he undertook extensive public awareness campaigns to ensure that children received timely vaccinations. To reach children who had missed their vaccinations, he facilitated interactions between experts and the public, educating them about the benefits of immunization. His work received international acclaim. The Public Relations Society of India not only praised his efforts but also recognized the initiative as the “Best Awareness Campaign for Vaccination.” He was later honored with an award at the PRSI national conference held in Ahmedabad.

A Successful Public Relations Professional

Kalyan Singh Kothari was not merely a talented journalist, freelancer, media educator, and media consultant; he was also a highly successful public relations professional. He maintained a long-standing association with the Jaipur Chapter of the Public Relations Society of India and served as its President for nearly five years.

A Media Consultant

Shri Kothari served as a media consultant for numerous national, international, and social organizations. Notably, he worked with the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing (NIAM), an undertaking of the Government of India, and also served as a consultant for Action Aid, Plan India, UNICEF, Save the Children, the UNO, and UNFPA. His work in these roles earned significant acclaim.

All India Media Educators Conference

Shri Kothari shared that the idea of organizing the All India Media Educators Conference first came to him while he was at the Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwavidyalaya in Mount Abu. In this initiative, he collaborated with Prof. Kamal Dixit and Prof. Sanjeev Bhanawat. His objective was to create a common platform for dialogue among media educators, similar to the forums available to media professionals. Another important aim was to encourage discussions on curriculum reforms in media studies, ethical journalism training, and the challenges faced by media educators.

Certificates of Appreciation, Mementos, Awards, and Honors

Shri Kothari has been honored on numerous occasions with certificates of appreciation, mementos, and awards from governmental and non-governmental institutions for his outstanding writing and for organizing seminars, workshops, and related events. While working with One World South Asia—an organization supporting grassroots journalists—many of his stories were published at national and international levels. He also collaborated with Sukhoi Decon on the UN Millennium Campaign, helping promote and disseminate its message. These efforts were highly appreciated by the UN Millennium Campaign office in Hong Kong. In 2010, he received the “Manak Alankaran Award” from “Jalte Deep”, a newspaper published in Western Rajasthan.

Affiliations with Various Institutions

Throughout his journalistic career, Shri Kothari undertook several remarkable initiatives and remained associated with various national and international institutions as a media consultant. Prominent among these affiliations are the World International Foundation, One World South Asia, the Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society, various UN bodies and civil society organizations, the UN Millennium Campaign, German Agro Action, the World Bank Water and Sanitation Program (South Asia), Action Aid, the Micronutrient Initiative (Canada), UNICEF Rajasthan, the Institute of Development Studies (Jaipur), Participatory Research in Asia (New Delhi), the National Institute of Agricultural Marketing, the Rajasthan State Planning Board, and the Rajasthan Knowledge Corporation Limited (Jaipur).

Writing for Periodicals and Books

Articles and news reports authored by Shri Kothari have been published in a wide range of local, state-level, and national newspapers and magazines. These include Rajasthan Patrika, “Daily News”, “Gareebon Ka Setu”, The Hindu, Hindustan Times, The Times of India, “Energy Next”, “Grassroots”, and “Vidura”, among many other periodicals. Over the course of his 60-year journalistic career, Shri Kothari has had more than 5,000 articles published.

Books

Shri Kothari has authored books focusing on Women and Child Development as well as Development Journalism, both of which received significant acclaim. He also co-authored a book on child protection and the Panchayati Raj system with Dr. Aadesh Chaturvedi of the UN. The book was formally released by the then Governor, Margaret Alva, who remarked that it should reach every corner of the country so that its benefits could be accessible to all.

Continuous Organization of Workshops and Seminars

Shri Kothari continuously organized workshops, seminars, and conferences across various districts of the state. Under the banner of Lok Samvad Sansthan, he organized numerous workshops focused on child development and immunization. In collaboration with UNICEF and the University of Rajasthan, he also organized a round-table conference on development journalism. Furthermore, in partnership with various universities, Mulyanugat Media, and Lok Samvad Sansthan, he organized four All-India Media Educator Conferences. Journalists, media professionals, public relations personnel, media educators, researchers, and students from across the country participated in these events.

Achieving Renown in Freelancing

After setbacks in the transport business, Shri Kothari re-established himself in journalism through freelancing. Through his independent work, he associated with various organizations and earned recognition as a respected freelance journalist.

True Peace of Mind Comes from Earnings Gained Through Honesty and Hard Work

Shri Kothari witnessed numerous ups and downs throughout his life—financial, professional, and health-related. Yet, in every circumstance, he remained steadfast in his faith in honesty and hard work. During his six-decade career, his health faltered on several occasions, and he battled various ailments. Even so, he never allowed illness to overpower his spirit. Throughout his journalism career, he encountered many temptations and inducements from different quarters, but he rejected them all, upholding honesty as his highest principle. It is for this reason that his image as an impartial and honest journalist remains deeply etched in the hearts of the people.

(CONCLUDED)

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