Vijay Darda Launches ‘Ringside’: A Compelling Collection of Political Thought and Socio-Economic Insights
Renowned journalist, activist, former MP, and Lokmat Group Chairman Vijay Darda unveiled his latest book, ‘Ringside’, at a grand event in Delhi. The launch witnessed a diverse gathering of eminent personalities, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Dr. Sanjay Baru, Shekhar Gupta from The Print, and Rajdeep Sardesai, engaging in a spirited discussion with the author.
‘Ringside’ is an engaging compilation of 218 articles penned by Vijay Darda over the years for various publications. The book covers a wide range of topics, presenting the author’s perspectives on the evolution of political thought, socio-economic issues, and significant moments in India’s recent history. The event attracted politicians, veteran journalists, senior bureaucrats, and other influential figures who shape the corridors of power in Delhi and beyond.
During the launch, Dr. Sanjay Baru emphasized Darda’s non-partisanship and the unbiased reporting showcased by the Lokmat group of publications. Baru commended Darda’s fearless approach, highlighting his ability to ask challenging questions both in his articles and during parliamentary sessions. The author’s persistent efforts to establish Vidharba as a distinct polity separate from Maharashtra also garnered praise, with Baru lauding Darda’s advocacy for the region and its people.
Shekhar Gupta, discussing the strength and impact of regional Indian journalism, emphasized the growing readership and influence of newspapers nationwide. He stressed the significance of regional languages, such as Marathi, Gujarati, and Telugu, which have loyal readerships surpassing that of elite English publications. Gupta advocated for recognizing the importance of all Indian languages in shaping the national narrative, rejecting the term “vernacular” in favor of embracing linguistic diversity.
Shashi Tharoor addressed the growing intolerance towards criticism in the current political climate, expressing concern over strained relations between the political class and media. He emphasized the need for collaboration and constructive dialogue between political parties, media organizations, professionals, and other stakeholders to foster progress and uphold democratic values in India.
The book launch witnessed the presence of several prominent figures from across the political spectrum, including Varun Gandhi and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe from the BJP, Praful Patel from the NCP, Danish Ali from the BSP, Farooq Abdullah from the J-K National Conference, and D Raja from the CPI, among others.
With ‘Ringside’, Vijay Darda offers readers a compelling collection of his insightful writings, shedding light on crucial socio-political issues and contributing to the ongoing discourse on India’s development and progress.