Description
About the book :
This book explores how cultural imperialism influences the Third-World nations. Media in the hands of the former colonizers that wish to maintain their sway has become a tool to dictate people’s thoughts. Focussed on India, this narrative spans from the nation’s independence in 1947 to the present day, scrutinizing the relentless targeting of Indian leadership by the dominant Western English media.
With time, these attacks have intensified, particularly on a resurgent India. In this book, the media’s role during crises emerges as a central theme, with a spotlight on Covid-19. The Western media crafted a narrative portraying India’s response to the disaster as chaotic, forecasting a staggering death toll reminiscent of the Spanish Flu of 1918.
The Western media’s approach to India shows how the English press continues to perpetuate the West’s long-held prejudices against India. Drawing heavily from history, the book critically analyses and unravels the origins and causes of this bias. While rooted in the Indian experience, the lessons derived hold universal relevance for any nation grappling with the shadows of colonization.
ISBN : 978-9390260942 ; Publisher : Rupa ; Author : Umesh Upadhyay ; HardBack ; Pages : 184
Appreciation for the book :
‘Umesh Upadhyay, through his book based on rigorous research has convincingly shown how Western media has traditionally been biased and negative, projecting a distorted image of India. These lopsided images now appear to be contradictory to India’s stature as an emerging twenty-first century global power in this technology-driven world. Upadhyay has very rightly pointed out that the credibility of western media will be at stake if it does not change its approach towards India. This book is indeed a very interesting and informative study.’
—Harivansh, deputy chairman, Rajya Sabha
‘Global narratives, including external perceptions of India, have been thus far driven exclusively by Western media for its own purposes. In this very readable book, Umesh Upadhyay recounts, with clarity and undeniable evidence, the history of how this skewed media narrative has been used to box India’s place in the world since 1947. It then makes the case for a rising India to tell its own story.’
—Sanjeev Sanyal, economist & bestselling author
‘It is obvious to any Indian that Western Media is biased against us. But simply reacting emotionally to their biases is not going to help us. To address a problem, we must first understand it. Umesh Upadhyay, offers a calm and clinical analysis of Western Media in the book. For all those who are frustrated with Western media, and how it often creates problems in India’s relations with Western countries, this is a must-read.’
—Amish Tripathi, bestselling author
About the Author :
Sri Umesh Upadhyay is a veteran journalist and communicator with four decades of experience in print, radio, TV and digital media. Transitioning from a ground reporter to a seasoned editor, he has worked across a diverse range of news networks including Press Trust of India, All India Radio, DD, Network 18 and Zee News. A JNU, DU and FTII alumnus, his passion for international relations and media is evident in his articles. He has produced and anchored several news and talk shows. Beyond journalism, he enjoys teaching and travelling, which have shaped his compassionate worldview.
Sundeep Raikhelkar (verified owner) – :
The book “Western Media Narratives on India” provides a passing glimpse on India’s editorial narrative run by the motivated western media who find it incorrigibly difficult to come out of the colonial hegemony which their forefathers enjoyed.
Book further goes on explaining the mindset of the colonial west. The western colonial thinkers who instead of repenting for the crimes committed, find refuge in media houses and further attempt to push the colonial agenda.
The book takes a neutral stance towards Indian political leadership and shows western media hostilities alike towards all political groups.
The book ends with recommendation for India to take up the New world order for communication and information as it is not possible for any other world power to be equally trusted.