Social and mass media driven by agendas; learn to think independently: Justice MS Sonak to Law Students

Social media and other forms of mass media are driven by agendas either on behalf of corporates or politicians and such media have become weapons of mass distraction, Bombay High Court judge Justice MS Sonak recently said..The judge opined that the world was slowly moving to an age where ideologies and ideas were perpetually inflicted by mass media tools and he warned that it is important for educated minds to be aware of the agenda peddled by such social or mass media.“I urge you to consider the possibility of social media or mass media being driven by narrow and parochial agendas. Sometimes, such agendas may be to sell consumer goods and sometimes to sell ideas for narrow and stifling politics and politicians. I say there is nothing wrong with this. But educated minds must at least consider that this is possible or that this is happening. After discounting these possibilities, it is up to the individual to make choices or to make decisions,” the judge said.The judge was speaking on the theme 'Lessons from a Law School' at the inaugural event of “Judiciary Talks” held at the Govind Ramnath Kare College of Law at Goa on September 30. .He said that such agenda driven media has meant that many times people have lost their habit of independent thinking and are herded like sheep. “My complaint is against forsaking the habit of clear and independent thinking; against the growing tendency of being herded like sheep; against going with the tides. Not because, upon mature consideration, the tidal flow is found to be the best way forward but simply because it appears the easy way out. That is not a hallmark of an educated mind,” the judge emphasized..He urged students to think with an open mind for ideas and to accommodate different opinions without being swept away by any.“It develops the qualities of pragmatism, compassion and inclusivity, which are essential to the moulding of a good lawyer, good judge and a good citizen,” the judge said. He explained that if an individual thinks independently, clearly and fearlessly, he would be able to question the trending or popular ideas of the present. “Undoubtedly, in a democratic society, the majority view must prevail. But never make the mistake of thinking that the intrinsic value of an idea, a thought, or a proposition is always proportionate to the number of people who support it,” the judge emphasized. .He also warned the lawyers that fixed monetary reward is the worst enemy of hard work in the legal profession. “There is simply no incentive to work hard if you are receiving some regular pay or stipend. Those initial struggling years are important to struggle in legal practice. Ideally, you should have a lot of work to do for your senior or for your firm and a little to get for all this hard work Most of the time, this combination serves as the best springboard for success at the Bar. No doubt, sometimes, this can be crushing. But I think, contrary to whatever anyone may say, affluence or too much security in the initial struggling years is not too conducive to success at the Bar. Prosperity is a great teacher, adversity a greater teacher. If the road is easy, please check whether you are going the wrong way,” the judge said..On a parting note, the judge also advised the young students not to be discouraged by comments on nepotism within the profession.“True, the sons and daughters of some established lawyers and judges may have some initial advantages if they choose to take them. But neither affluence nor too much security are good springboards for success at the Bar. Many times, adversity in the initial years produces stunning success stories at the Bar. There is plenty of room in the profession not just at the top but at all levels,” the judge concluded.