When our media is busy in their TRP game, Indian Podcaster – Prakhar Gupta sends a clear message to the WORLD MEDIA and PAKISTAN
1. Context: IMF Decision and Pakistan’s Economic Relief
In a recent decision that has sparked controversy in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia,
- the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a $1 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and a $1.3 billion Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) lending program for Pakistan.
- The approval came despite growing concerns from India about the misuse of international funds for activities beyond development, particularly in financing extremism and terrorism.
- India abstained from voting during the IMF meeting, expressing apprehension over how these funds could be diverted to purposes detrimental to regional stability. Despite India’s objection, the resolution was passed — primarily due to support from countries like the United States, which holds the highest voting share in the IMF.
- India also raised the issue of Pakistan’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, which facilitated Pakistan’s access to global financial assistance. India contends that Pakistan has not effectively curbed terror financing, and thus such support from institutions like the IMF is questionable and potentially harmful.
2. Prakhar's Reply to the West and Pakistan
Indian podcaster and commentator Prakhar, known for his strong socio-political takes, issued a powerful response in his podcast .
- In what he calls a “Message to the West”, Prakhar made several bold statements amid the escalating Indo-Pak tensions.
He addressed the false equivalence often drawn between India and Pakistan by international observers,
- India is the world’s largest democracy, a pluralistic society that has been home to diverse religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, and more. It upholds secular and democratic values, and continues to function as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation.
- Pakistan, by contrast, is globally recognized for harboring terrorist groups and has been accused multiple times of providing safe havens to radical organizations operating in the region.
- On the Kashmir conflict, Prakhar emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir has been an integral part of India since 1947, and what Pakistan refers to as “India-occupied Kashmir” is a misleading narrative.
- He pointed out that the real aggression has been from Pakistan’s side, particularly in the form of militant infiltration and illegal occupation of parts of Kashmir (referred to in India as PoK – Pakistan-occupied Kashmir).
- Prakhar sent a stern message to the world powers:
“If you can’t help, at least step aside. India is prepared to defend itself — alone if necessary.”
- He also warned the Pakistani leadership, stating:
“It’s not the people of Pakistan, but the corrupt regime that remains the enemy of peace. This regime has supported and exported terrorism for decades while ignoring the welfare of its own citizens.”
- In his recent podcast also, he has emphasized on this matter with Major General G.D. Bakshi, a decorated Indian Army veteran
3. Listen to the Voice of the New Generation, Not the Godi Media
Prakhar’s clarity contrasts sharply with the distorted narratives promoted by segments of India’s mainstream media, often referred to pejoratively as “Godi Media.”
These channels, aligned with political interests, have repeatedly been accused of prioritizing sensationalism over national security for TRP.
- One striking example is Arnab Goswami’s WhatsApp leaks, where he allegedly celebrated high TRPs following the tragic 2019 Pulwama terror attack. This revelation deeply eroded public trust and highlighted how tragedy was turned into media profit.
Moreover, during recent cross-border escalations, many news channels recklessly broadcast sensitive military footage and strategies, unknowingly aiding Pakistan’s military intelligence.
- War journalism is a delicate craft — and currently, Indian mainstream media is failing at it.
- Recognizing this, India’s Ministry of Defence and Home Affairs has begun restricting media access to operational areas, aiming to prevent intelligence leaks and protect strategic assets.
Perhaps most concerning is India’s dismal global standing on press freedom: ranked 151st in the World Press Freedom Index, Indian media suffers from lack of independence, corporate control, and the growing suppression of dissent.
- In this landscape, voices like Prakhar’s — from the digital generation — have become beacons of credibility and insight.
4. Future Course of Action for India
India’s diplomatic stance appears to be shifting from patience to assertiveness. While it continues to engage in multilateral forums, India is expected to:
- Push for greater scrutiny on Pakistan’s economic and military expenditures, particularly the usage of international funds.
- Lobby for Pakistan’s re-inclusion in the FATF grey list, citing recent cross-border terror activities and intelligence reports.
- Strengthen defensive infrastructure and intelligence coordination along the borders, especially in Jammu & Kashmir.
- Continue its diplomatic isolation strategy against Pakistan in international forums by showcasing evidence of terror financing.
- Promote homegrown voices like Prakhar’s that articulate India’s position in the language of global diplomacy and digital activism.
5. Conclusion
The global community must take a nuanced, fact-based approach when engaging in South Asian affairs.
- India’s role as a democratic, pluralistic, and responsible nation-state stands in stark contrast to Pakistan’s history of state-sponsored extremism.
- Voices like Prakhar’s, representing India’s younger, globally aware population, are now emerging as critical commentators challenging outdated narratives set up by the godi media. His message to the West is not merely emotional—it is a rational plea grounded in historical truth and geopolitical awareness.
- As tensions continue, India’s stance remains clear: sovereignty is non-negotiable, and if international institutions fail to act responsibly, India will act alone to safeguard its people and borders.
Amrita Sarkar (pronounced Aam-ri-to), is a content creator, B.Com graduate, CA aspirant, and PGDM student who has discovered a fresh passion for digital writing. With a sharp eye for trends and a deep curiosity for how the internet shapes our lives, Amrito writes insightful pieces on digital media, internet culture, and personal observations. This blog is his creative outlet—where analysis meets storytelling.
