Modi, Lex Fredman, Abdul Kalam, Pathradipar Sukumaran and Journalism

Today, I would like to share my reflections on the remarks made by two legendary figures regarding journalists and journalism. One of them remains actively engaged in public service, while the other has left an indelible mark on every Indian’s life and now lives on in our memories.

As a former journalist from the old school of journalism, two key aspects deeply resonate with me when listening to or reading their insights:

1. The evolution of news reporting—where it stands today compared to the past.
2. The role of modern technology in enhancing user experience and providing customizable interfaces.

A few days ago, Lex Fridman, an American computer scientist and podcaster known for his in-depth conversations with global icons, interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While releasing the podcast, Fridman tweeted that it was “one of the most powerful conversations of my life.” His past interviews include discussions with former U.S. Presidents and current President Donald Trump, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk (who has appeared on his podcast four times), and renowned thinkers like Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson. Fridman’s ability to engage with such influential personalities is something any podcaster or feature journalist would aspire to.

Interestingly, Lex Fridman is not a journalist; he is a computer scientist and researcher at MIT, Boston. Born in present-day Tajikistan, he moved to the United States at the age of 11. His father, Alexander Fridman, was one of the leading plasma physicists in the former Soviet Union. Upon moving to the U.S., his father taught at Drexel University in Pennsylvania, where Lex pursued his undergraduate and doctoral studies. He later worked as a machine learning researcher at Google before dedicating himself to artificial intelligence research.

However, this blog is not about Lex Fridman, PM Modi, or Abdul Kalam—it is about how artificial intelligence is transforming the news industry (though it is unfortunate to refer to news as an “industry” when every news agency claims to serve society). In this particular podcast, Fridman made the episode available in English, Hindi, and Russian, with plans to add more languages soon. The real magic of AI lies in its ability to replicate Modi’s voice and speech patterns in English and Russian, making it appear as though the Prime Minister is delivering the podcast in multiple languages. The AI-powered simultaneous translation (SIM TRANS) technology behind this ensures a seamless experience, leaving listeners amazed at Modi’s apparent multilingual fluency—until they realize it is AI at work. This innovation enhances the user experience, even offering a lip-synced video that is remarkably accurate.

To explore this firsthand, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPUtA3W-7_I. On the YouTube screen, click the settings icon and select your preferred language for voiceover audio.

Journalism and Modi’s Perspective

One of the most intriguing discussions in the podcast was Modi’s perspective on journalism. He compared journalists to honeybees and flies, suggesting that journalists should emulate honeybees—gathering and spreading knowledge and positivity—rather than behaving like flies that merely buzz around controversy and negativity. He remarked that some journalists focus only on the dirt, spreading negativity instead of constructive information. He advised them to be like honeybees, pollinating society with uplifting stories but also using their sting when necessary to hold the powerful accountable.

Modi mentioned that he had made this comment years ago when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and was amused to see it spark controversy. His statement has reignited debates on the relationship between the government and the media, especially in the context of press freedom in India.

Abdul Kalam’s Perspective on Journalism

This discussion reminded me of a thought-provoking observation by former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam after he visited Israel. He noted that during his official trip, he could not find a single negative news story in any of the leading Israeli newspapers. Instead of focusing on conflicts and sensational news, Israeli media extensively covered development projects, scientific advancements, and innovation—reserving page three for discussions on science and progress. Kalam believed this emphasis on positive discourse played a significant role in Israel’s prosperity.

The Need for Positive Journalism in India

India has yet to cultivate a media outlet solely dedicated to positive journalism. I come from the old school of journalism, and a childhood memory stands out in this regard. My father once took me to pay homage to Patradhipar Sukumaran, the esteemed editor of Kerala Kaumudi newspaper. His body was laid in a hall adjacent to the newspaper office for the public to pay their respects. Even as a fourth-grade student, I vividly recall the long queue of people. My father might have had an intuition that I would one day walk the path of journalism.

After placing a few rose petals at Sukumaran’s feet, my father shared an inspiring insight—Kerala Kaumudi never featured negative news or crime reports on the front page. Sukumaran firmly believed that a newspaper should begin a reader’s day on a positive note, rather than with distressing headlines. His son, Ravi, later became a close friend of mine during my time with Khaleej Times in Qatar. Fondly known as Raviyettan, he too has passed on. Today, his children run Kerala Kaumudi, which has since launched an evening daily called Flash—ironically focusing solely on crime and negative news.

Journalism has undergone a significant transformation over the years. With AI-driven reporting and digital innovations shaping the industry, the challenge lies in balancing technological advancements with journalistic integrity. The key question remains: can modern media prioritize positive, constructive journalism while upholding its duty to inform and hold power accountable?