Paper 107 | From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism

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M.A. Sem - 2 | Presentation

Presentation Season - 2

Paper - 107: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century

Submitted Date: April 4, 2025

Paper Name: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century

Topic: From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism

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Paper 107 | From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism from Rajdeep Bavaliya

Slide - 1: Title

From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism

Prepared by Rajdeep A. Bavaliya

Slide - 2: Academic Details

Presented by: Rajdeep A. Bavaliya

Roll No.: 21

Enrollment No.: 5108240006

Sem.: 2

Batch: 2024-26

E-mail: rajdeepbavaliya2@gmail.com

Slide - 2: Presentation Details

Paper Name: The Twentieth Century Literature: From World War II to the End of the Century 

Paper No.: 107

Paper Code: 22400

Unit: 4 - Kazuo Ishiguro’s ‘An Artist of the Floating World’

Topic: From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism

Submitted To: Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University

Submitted Date: April 4, 2025

Slide - 3: Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Research Question
3. Hypothesis
4. Literature Review
5. Ishiguro’s Fiction and Its Universal Themes
6. Characteristics of “Godi Media”
7. Parallels Between Ishiguro’s Protagonists and Media Anchors
8. Professionalism and the Crisis of Integrity
9. Media Capture and Political Influence
10. Impact on Democracy and Public Discourse
11. Critique and Reflections on Narrative Techniques
12. Conclusion
13. Learning Outcomes
14. References

Slide - 4: Introduction

‘From Watchdog to Lapdog: Ishiguro’s Fiction and the Rise of “Godi Media” in Post-2014 Indian Journalism’ juxtaposes literary introspection with modern media capture.

The opening title frames the discussion by linking Ishiguro’s deep narrative style with the evolving, compromised role of Indian media. It invites the audience to explore how literary themes mirror contemporary media practices.

Ishiguro’s novels, celebrated for uncovering the abyss beneath our illusory sense of connection, serve as a mirror to societal and media transformations. (“The Nobel Prize in Literature 2017”)

This point emphasizes Ishiguro’s acclaimed insight into human disconnection, setting a reflective tone that parallels media self-censorship and bias.

The term”Godi Media,” popularized by Ravish Kumar, encapsulates the transformation of the media from a vigilant watchdog to a compliant lapdog. (Majumder)

It underlines the critique of modern journalism, where media outlets increasingly align with power rather than challenge it, thereby diluting their critical role.

The connection between Ishiguro’s fictional worlds and the realpolitik of Indian journalism sets the stage for a nuanced discussion on accountability and ethical responsibility.

This presentation bridges literary analysis with media critique, questioning professional integrity across distinct cultural narratives.

Slide - 5: Research Question

In what ways do the themes of compromised professionalism in Ishiguro’s fiction reflect the emergence and practices of “Godi Media” in post-2014 Indian journalism?

Slide - 5: Hypothesis

Ishiguro’s depiction of moral compromise in his novels mirrors the decline of journalistic integrity, as seen in the rise of “Godi Media” in post-2014 Indian journalism.

Slide - 6: Literature Review

1. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Bhat, Rameez Ahmad. (31 Dec. 2023)

Source:

SSRN

Key Argument:

This paper compares protagonists in Kazuo Ishiguro’s novels who compromise their professional integrity with the post-2014 Indian “Godi” media, suggesting both propagate narrow nationalism and undermine democratic values.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

Both Ishiguro’s protagonists and post-2014 “Godi Media” figures compromise professional integrity, thereby propagating narrow nationalism and weakening democratic values.

2. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Das, Shruti, and Deepshikha Routray. (Apr. 2018)

Source:

Asian Resonance (Academia.edu)

Key Argument:

This article analyzes Ishiguro’s novels to disnarrate and foreground repressed political representations, exploring how characters become unwitting participants in historical and political ideologies.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

Ishiguro’s use of strategic silences unveils repressed political narratives, exposing how his characters unwittingly partake in historical and ideological compromises.

3. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Majumder, Kunal. (14 Jan. 2025)

Source:

Scroll.in

Key Argument:

This article posits that the rise of “Godi Media” in India, characterized by political and corporate capture, erodes journalistic independence and accountability, thus harming democracy.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

The rise of “Godi Media” in India, propelled by political and corporate capture, erodes journalistic independence and democratic accountability.

Slide - 7: Literature Review

4. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Pandey, Ravish Kumar. (23 Apr. 2018)

Source:

Indian Cultural Forum

Key Argument:

This article asserts that fake news, synonymous with “Godi Media,” has become a widespread tactic to subvert democracy and enable authoritarian actions globally.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

Fake news—a hallmark of “Godi Media”—is strategically used to subvert democratic processes and support authoritarian practices globally.

5. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Tajammul-ul-Islam, Sheikh. (2019)

Source:

Policy Perspectives (JSTOR)

Key Argument:

This paper contends that the Indian media is largely controlled by the state and exhibits bias, promoting a Hindutva agenda and jingoistic sentiments, with dissenting voices facing negative consequences.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

State-controlled “Godi Media” in India promotes a biased, Hindutva-centric agenda that suppresses dissent and distorts democratic discourse.

6. Scholar(s)/Author(s):

Whitten-Woodring, Jenifer. (2009)

Source:

International Studies Quarterly (JSTOR)

Key Argument:

This study argues that the relationship between media freedom and government respect for human rights varies with the level of democracy, being positive in highly democratic regimes and negative in autocratic ones.

Application and Significance of Key Scholarly Arguments:

The relationship between media freedom and government respect for human rights varies with regime type—enhancing rights in democracies while undermining them in autocracies.

Slide - 8: Ishiguro’s Fiction and Its Universal Themes

Ishiguro’s works like ‘An Artist of the Floating World’ and ‘The Remains of the Day’ delve into the depths of human fallibility and collective responsibility. (Bhat)

His novels use subtle narratives to reveal how individuals, despite good intentions, often succumb to historical and societal pressures.

The protagonists embody a tragic compromise between personal integrity and professional duty, exposing the cost of unquestioned loyalty. (Bhat)

The characters’ internal conflicts illustrate the struggle between following orders and adhering to ethical ideals, a theme resonant in both literature and media.

Ishiguro’s narrative technique of restrained expression and strategic silence reflects the disnarration of hidden truths. (Das and Routray)

By omitting details, Ishiguro forces readers to read between the lines, revealing the suppressed realities of past injustices and personal failures.

His exploration of human connection transcends cultural boundaries, making his themes universally applicable. (Bhat)

This universality enables the comparison with media narratives worldwide, where similar patterns of conformity and self-deception emerge.

Slide - 9: Characteristics of “Godi Media”

Godi Media, defined as media outlets aligned with ruling powers, forsakes its watchdog role for partisan reporting. (Majumder)

This point highlights the shift in journalistic duty where the focus moves from critical inquiry to echoing government narratives, undermining public trust.

The term ”Godi”—meaning “lap”—symbolizes complete submission to authority, prioritizing allegiance over truth. (Majumder)

It captures the essence of media capture, where channels willingly become vehicles for state propaganda instead of independent scrutiny.

Sensationalism, paid news, and fake news characterize this media phenomenon, contributing to a biased public discourse. (Tajammul-ul-Islam)

The prevalence of misleading information disrupts objective reporting, fostering an environment where truth is compromised for commercial and political gains.

Instances of government influence and corporate backing further erode journalistic independence in India. (Tajammul-ul-Islam)

These systemic factors create a scenario where media integrity is sacrificed, resulting in narratives that serve political interests rather than the public good.

Slide - 10: Parallels Between Ishiguro’s Protagonists and Media Anchors

Both Ishiguro’s protagonists and contemporary media anchors exhibit a failure to uphold the expected professional integrity. (Bhat)

In the novels, characters compromise their ideals, a pattern mirrored in media anchors who prioritize allegiance over accountability.

The protagonists’ adherence to outdated codes of conduct parallels the media’s retreat from objective reporting. (Bhat)

This analogy draws attention to how both groups are trapped by legacy practices that impede genuine critical engagement and ethical behavior.

The comparison questions whether professionals, whether in literature or media, can remain impartial amidst external pressures. (Bhat)

It encourages a reflective inquiry into the nature of professionalism, urging the audience to consider the cost of conformity in both realms.

The erosion of accountability in both fields prompts a reevaluation of what it means to serve the public interest.

This shared dilemma underscores the broader societal implications of compromised integrity, highlighting the urgent need for reform.

Slide - 11: Professionalism and the Crisis of Integrity

Ishiguro’s characters, such as Mr. Stevens and Masuji Ono, demonstrate how personal ambitions are subverted by professional obligations. (Bhat)

Their internal conflicts reveal a tension between personal conscience and the duty to conform, a dilemma that resonates deeply in today’s professional world.

The novels critique the notion of professionalism that demands impartiality while ignoring the underlying moral compromises. (Bhat)

This critique challenges the conventional standards of professional behavior, urging a reconsideration of how ethical accountability is measured.

In the narrative of disnarration, strategic silences mask deeper truths about personal and institutional failures. (Das and Routray)

The deliberate omissions in the narrative serve as a metaphor for the unspoken compromises that both individuals and institutions make.

The failure of ethical responsibility is not confined to fiction but extends to media professionals who mirror these lapses. (Das and Routray)

This observation draws a direct line between the literary critique of professionalism and the contemporary crisis in journalistic integrity.

Slide - 12: Media Capture and Political Influence

Media capture manifests when economic dependencies and corporate backing force news outlets to align with governmental narratives. (Tajammul-ul-Islam)

This dynamic undermines the independence of the press, turning news channels into instruments of political persuasion rather than watchdogs.

Paid news and sensationalist reporting have become common tactics, compromising the core function of informing the public. (Tajammul-ul-Islam)

Such practices skew the presentation of facts, prioritizing profit and political gain over objective journalism and critical debate.

The erosion of press freedom in India is reflected in its low ranking on the World Press Freedom Index— India’s rank 159—and rising cases of journalist reprisals. (Tajammul-ul-Islam)

These indicators serve as a stark reminder of how systemic influences can stifle dissent and undermine democratic accountability.

Media capture in India is not an isolated case but part of a global trend where power dynamics dictate journalistic practices. (Majumder)

Recognizing this broader pattern emphasizes the need for renewed standards of media integrity worldwide.

Slide - 13: Impact on Democracy and Public Discourse

When media forsakes its watchdog role, the resultant propaganda undermines democratic values and public trust. (Majumder)

This point stresses that the failure of media to challenge authority leads to a dangerous erosion of accountability in democratic societies.

The rise of fake news, as noted by Ravish Kumar, has become a preferred tool for subverting democracy in both autocratic and fragile democratic settings. (Pandey)

The manipulation of information distorts public perception and fuels polarization, thereby weakening the democratic process.

The interplay between media freedom and government respect for human rights is complex and varies across regimes. (Whitten-Woodring)

This observation highlights that the impact of free media differs based on political context, underlining the challenges faced by genuine journalistic inquiry.

The shift toward ”Godi Media” signifies a broader societal crisis where institutional checks and balances are at risk. (Majumder)

The decline in independent reporting jeopardizes the essential function of media as a guardian of democracy and public interest.

Slide - 14: Critique and Reflections on Narrative Techniques

Ishiguro’s use of controlled omissions and strategic silences invites readers to question the veracity of both personal and institutional narratives. (Das and Routray)

This narrative technique not only deepens the literary experience but also mirrors the selective reporting found in compromised media practices.

The protagonists’ self-deception and reluctance to confront their pasts echo the broader failure of ethical accountability. (Das and Routray)

Such self-deception serves as a metaphor for the modern media’s tendency to overlook inconvenient truths in favor of a sanitized narrative.

The critical lens applied to both Ishiguro’s fiction and”Godi Media” challenges audiences to reflect on the consequences of ideological conformity.

This reflective inquiry encourages a deeper understanding of how narratives, whether literary or journalistic, shape our perception of truth and responsibility.

By exposing these parallels, the analysis calls for a reevaluation of professional integrity in both creative and reporting practices.

The critique is intended to spur dialogue on reforming standards of accountability and transparency in all spheres of public life.

Slide - 15: Conclusion

The convergence of literary narratives and media practices reveals a shared crisis of professional integrity and accountability.

This synthesis encapsulates the central argument that both Ishiguro’s fiction and modern media exhibit troubling similarities in their failure to uphold ethical standards.

The erosion of the watchdog role, whether in literature or journalism, threatens the foundations of democratic discourse.

It underlines the dangerous implications of compromised accountability, calling attention to the need for vigilant reform.

By drawing these parallels, the discussion urges a critical reassessment of how power and responsibility are managed in society.

This reflection serves as a call to action, encouraging audiences to seek greater transparency and ethical rigor in all professional domains.

The closing reminder to “try to make the best of what remains of [our] day” (Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day) resonates as an invitation to restore integrity and accountability.

This concluding note reinforces the imperative to reclaim and revitalize the ethical functions of both literature and journalism.

Slide - 16: Learning Outcomes

Exploring Ishiguro’s narratives alongside “Godi Media” has deepened my awareness of how literature can reflect and critique media ethics and democratic accountability.

This journey has reshaped my understanding of the interplay between creative expression and societal responsibilities, prompting me to value ethical integrity across disciplines.

Engagement with the comparative analysis has transformed my personal perceptions, making me more critical of media narratives and more appreciative of balanced, independent journalism.

I now recognize the importance of questioning established norms, encouraging a more discerning approach to both media consumption and professional conduct.

The insights gained have refined my opinions on professional integrity, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability and transparency in both literary creation and journalistic practice.

This reflection has fostered a commitment to uphold ethical standards and has inspired a more thoughtful perspective on how power influences narrative structures.

My experiences exploring these themes have not only enriched my academic understanding but have also sparked personal growth, motivating me to advocate for truth and accountability in all forms of expression.

The process has underscored the transformative potential of critical inquiry, leaving me with a renewed resolve to contribute constructively to public discourse and ethical media practices.

Slide - 17: References

Bhat, Rameez Ahmad. “Kazuo Ishiguro and ‘Godi’ Media: A Thematic Comparison of his Select Novels and the Post-2014 Indian Media.” SSRN, 31 Dec. 2023, dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4680408.

Das, Shruti, and Deepshikha Routray. “Political Representation in Ishiguro’s an Artist of the Floating World and the Remains of the Day.” Asian Resonance, vol. 7, no. 2, Apr. 2018, pp. 117–21. Academia.edu, www.academia.edu/38914905/Political_Representation_in_Ishiguros_an_Artist_of_the_Floating_World_and_the_Remains_of_the_Day.

Ishiguro, Kazuo. An Artist of the Floating World. Faber and Faber, 2009.

---. The Remains of the Day. Faber and Faber, 2009.

Majumder, Kunal. “Why the rise of ‘godi media’ is a disaster for Indian democracy and economic growth.” Scroll.in, 14 Jan. 2025, scroll.in/article/1077310/why-the-rise-of-godi-media-is-a-disaster-for-indian-democracy-and-economic-growth. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

“The Nobel Prize in Literature 2017.” NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach 2025, www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/2017/summary. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

Pandey, Ravish Kumar. “The menace of fake news, a.k.a ‘Godi Media.’” Indian Cultural Forum, 23 Apr. 2018, indianculturalforum.in/2018/04/23/fake-news-ravish-kumar. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

Tajammul-ul-Islam, Sheikh. “Is Indian Media Free from State Control? An Appraisal.” Policy Perspectives, vol. 16, no. 2, 2019, pp. 27–40. JSTOR, doi.org/10.13169/polipers.16.2.0027.

Whitten-Woodring, Jenifer. “Watchdog or Lapdog? Media Freedom, Regime Type, and Government Respect for Human Rights.” International Studies Quarterly, vol. 53, no. 3, 2009, pp. 595–625. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/27735113.

PowerPoint template source: Slidesgo

Slide - 18: Thank you! Any questions?

Questions:

Q.-1.|What role can alternative or citizen journalism play in countering the effects of politically aligned media?

Answer:

Alternative and citizen journalism provides a platform for independent reporting that questions mainstream narratives. These journalists often cover stories overlooked by traditional outlets and hold powerful entities accountable. Their work can offer fresh perspectives and more balanced information, helping to break through partisan bias. This approach fosters a more informed and engaged public debate.

Q.-2.|How might social media platforms challenge or reinforce the trends seen in “Godi Media” today?

Answer:

Social media can offer a space for diverse voices and independent opinions, helping to challenge biased narratives. However, its algorithms often promote sensational or partisan content, which can reinforce those trends. The echo chamber effect may also limit exposure to alternative views, making it a double-edged sword. Overall, its impact depends on how users engage and filter the information.

Description:

Dive into a captivating analysis where Kazuo Ishiguro’s nuanced fiction meets the stark realities of post‑2014 Indian journalism. Uncover how “Godi Media” turned from watchdog to lapdog, echoing the moral compromises of Ishiguro’s protagonists. We’ll draw parallels between restrained narrative silences and sensationalist headlines—are our media heroes or traitors? Comment with your take on media integrity, and don’t forget to subscribe for more deep dives!

Hashtags:

#GodiMedia #Ishiguro #MediaEthics #WatchdogVsLapdog #IndianJournalism #PressFreedom #LiteraryCritique #AnArtistoftheFloatingWorld #MediaCapture #KazuoIshiguro

Keyword Tags:

Godi Media, Ishiguro fiction, post-2014 Indian journalism, media capture, Kazuo Ishiguro analysis, watchdog to lapdog, press freedom India, media ethics, literature and media, An Artist of the Floating World

The following are the photographs included in my presentation:

Thank you!