This book, "Media Praxis and the Bhagavad Gita," draws inspiration from the author’s personal experiences. It elucidates his journey from being trained as an Electronics and Communication Engineer to becoming a mass communicator. While serving as a young Air Warrior in Bathinda, Punjab, India, he came across a slogan on the wall of his office that stated, "Hate war, if you can prevent it!" Each time he contemplated this slogan, he found himself in deep reflection, as he possessed a strong aversion to war in his capacity as a peace envoy. Nevertheless, the pressing question that plagued his thoughts was whether conflicts could truly be avoided. He deliberated on this matter extensively, and for a significant duration, the question remained unanswered. Eventually, he began to deconstruct the situation to uncover the fundamental reason behind this inquiry: "What causes conflicts to arise?"
After
a lengthy struggle, he realised that conflicts arise when individuals
communicate effectively yet in a harmful manner. Throughout his exploration of
the causes of war, he discovered the key to preventing conflicts. He concluded
that the vital instrument for conflict avoidance is effective communication.
From his perspective, communication is comparable to Azithromycin, a
macrolide antibiotic that can address a broad spectrum of ailments.
Furthermore, he argues that communication is similar to nuclear fusion and
nuclear fission, which, while beneficial to humanity, can also result in
disastrous outcomes, as illustrated by the Hydrogen Bomb and Atom Bomb.
The sophisticated cognitive functions, referred to as higher-order thinking, led him to reevaluate his beliefs while interacting with the text, "The Bhagavad Gita." He uncovered responses to various questions, such as "What are the origins of conflicts?" In this regard, higher-order thinking is characterised as a cognitive process that goes beyond simple memorisation, requiring individuals to actively utilise knowledge through skills like analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creativity to tackle problems and understand new situations. The Bhagavad Gita exhibits a foundational structure similar to Bloom's Taxonomy, a commonly employed framework for teaching and assessing these vital skills considered essential for academic success and long-term problem-solving. Higher-Order Thinking surpasses the basic recall of information, focusing instead on the active use and application of knowledge in creative ways. It involves performing tasks with information rather than just retaining it. These skills are applicable across diverse fields and in real-life situations. They enable individuals to reason, make connections, and formulate solutions to unfamiliar challenges. The sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita, can indeed be seen as a medium for promoting higher-order thinking.
Similar to the Bhagavad Gita, which is organised into three sections known as Shatakas, with each section comprising six chapters, resulting in a total of eighteen chapters, this book is also segmented into three parts, each containing six chapters. The three sections of the Bhagavad Gita represent the journey of ascending a vast mountain. Likewise, examining these three sections through the lens of communication and public relations proves to be equally challenging. Consequently, these sections are aptly named The Braking Zone, The Apex, and The Exit, in that order. Each section of the text contains a thorough analysis of the communication and public relations components present in each chapter. Appendix A presents a list of characters featured in the text, serving as a convenient reference for readers who are not fully acquainted with the Bhagavad Gita as a whole. Occasionally, images are incorporated within the text, utilised under Creative Commons licenses. In addition to the aforementioned eighteen chapters, an introductory and concluding chapter are included to explore the very concept of this book as well as to thoroughly examine the other communication and public relations elements, respectively.
While not explicit in any particular chapter, the Gita itself uses stories and analogies to convey complex ideas. Lord Krishna adapts his communication to Arjuna's understanding, according to the medium, wherein the medium itself is the message. Stories and relevant examples can make communication more engaging, memorable, and impactful—tailor the communication style to the audience's background and preferences for better receptivity.
A
message to the readers is not only fitting but also likely essential as the
author presents this project that unites the traditions of the academic field
of communication studies with the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred text of Hinduism.
This volume offers a variety of viewpoints and insights aimed at influencing
communication and public relations as depicted in the Bhagavad Gita. Strictly
speaking, it does not serve as a theological interpretation. Each chapter
concentrates on communication and PR theories that enhance the overall
analysis.
Similar to Mathematics, where we utilise the principles a=b and b=c to demonstrate that a=c or c=a, in this text, certain elements related to communication and public relations have been explored through a shared mediating factor. Furthermore, specific components of communication and public relations are initially presented and subsequently analysed for their significance in the context of the Bhagavad Gita. Regardless of the circumstances, the author vouches for the assertion that the Bhagavad Gita encompasses all knowledge and that solutions to every dilemma can be discovered within its teachings.
The
objective of this book is to promote higher-order thinking by utilising skills
such as analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and creativity to address challenges
and comprehend new scenarios related to communication and public relations, as
exemplified in the Bhagavad Gita. This book functions not merely as an academic
text but also as a work of general interest.
—Dr Suman Kumar Kasturi
