By Yash Sadhak Shrivastava
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Today marks the death anniversary of Anil Sadhak, the founder of Karmrath, a journalist whose life was defined by courage, conviction, and an uncompromising commitment to the public good. He passed away in January 2008, but his voice continues to echo in every battle fought for press freedom and journalists’ rights. In the days following his death, the nation’s respect for him was visible. The then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and current Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, senior leader Babulal Gaur, several state ministers, senior bureaucrats, and journalists from across the state came to his home to stand with the bereaved family. Their presence reflected the stature Anil Sadhak had earned through decades of fearless journalism.
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After his death, a profound question arose: Was Anil Sadhak a martyr? The answer does not lie in slogans, but in his life’s work. The articles written by senior journalists, published below, offer a clear conclusion on how his death and legacy should be understood. Anil Sadhak practised journalism as a form of service. His pen was his weapon, and truth was his cause. Every war he fought was for those who had no voice, for those pushed to the margins of power. He stood firm when it was easier to stay silent, and paid the price for refusing to compromise. He was instrumental in ensuring pension rights for journalists, securing dignity for those who dedicate their lives to the profession. Before his death, he also fought relentlessly to ensure that journalists could obtain land at subsidised rates, so they could build homes of their own. He was the central force behind the establishment of Patrakar Bhawan, and he defended its independence with rare bravery, fighting for its freedom until his final breath.
The below translated articles published in Karmrath Magazine’s February 2008 edition are not merely reflections, they are a tribute to a man who lived and died for the ideals of fearless journalism, justice, and democracy. Through them, readers will find the answer to what Anil Sadhak’s death truly represents.
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Chief Minister and Ministers Console Grieving Family
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of the lively senior journalist Anil Sadhak, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Minister Babulal Gaur, and Public Relations Minister Laxmikant Sharma visited his residence to offer their condolences and shared that they, too, participate in the family's grief. State head Shivraj Singh Chouhan, despite his busy schedule, reached the home of the late Anil Sadhak. He assured Mr. Sadhak’s wife, children, and brothers that every possible assistance would be provided to the family. Mr. Chouhan described the late Mr. Sadhak as a childhood friend and stated that his passing is an irreparable loss to the world of journalism. Minister Babulal Gaur was among the first to reach the late Mr. Sadhak’s house. Despite being constantly out of Bhopal, as soon as Mr. Gaur returned, he immediately visited the residence to console the grieving family. Public Relations Minister Laxmikant Sharma also visited, offered floral tributes to the photograph of the late Mr. Sadhak, and comforted the relatives.
Condolences from the Journalism Community
National Secretary of IFWJ Ramgopal Sharma, State President of M.P. Working Journalist Union Jayant Verma, Rewa Divisional Unit Coordinator Pt. Shaligram Sharma, Bhopal Divisional Unit In-charge Lokesh Dixit, President Rajendra Kashyap, General Secretary Dinesh Nigam, and Satna District Unit President Rajmohan Choube, along with senior journalists:
Anil Tripathi, Ajay Tiwari, Rajendra Gaharwar, Deepak Mishra, Sunil Agnihotri, Pradeep Dwivedi, Mukesh Aingal, Niyaz Khan (all from Rewa), Ashok Soni (Umaria), N.K. Dixit (Singrauli), Dinesh Soni (Varigawan, Sidhi), Rajnish Vedanti (Sidhi), Akhtar Ali, Deepak Mishra, Alok Singhai, R.D. Saxena, Avdhesh Bhargava, Vinod Shrivastava, Ramesh Lodhi and Madhukar Ramoshi, along with journalists from across the state, expressed deep sorrow. They remarked that in the form of Mr. Sadhak, they have lost a struggling and determined leader of journalists. Paying their heartfelt tributes, the journalist colleagues expressed their sympathies toward the bereaved family.
The End of an Era of Fearless Journalism
Renowned for his fearless writing and candid commentary, a radiant star who alerted the government-administration and society to their duties, suddenly faded away on the night of January 27, 2008, after spreading his light in the field of journalism for twenty-seven years.
The late Mr. Anil Sadhak, who embodied the soul of a poet, writer, and journalist, was born on July 2, 1956, in a modest Kayastha family in the Joura-Alapur tehsil of Morena district. His father, Mr. Sohanlal Shrivastava, served as a Revenue Inspector in the Joura tehsil. When Anil Sadhak was only nine years old, his father retired.
After completing his primary education under modest circumstances, he completed his Higher Secondary and B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) education in Gwalior while staying with his elder brother, Mr. Govind Sahay Shrivastava.
Early Struggles and Political Roots
From Gwalior, he entered a versatile and struggling life. In his early youth, he started several businesses, but he did not enjoy remaining within a limited scope for long. Following this, he worked as a clerk for the famous criminal lawyer of Morena district, Mr. Chhotelal Bhardwaj. Mr. Bhardwaj, besides being an advocate, was a district-level official of the Communist Party.
It was in Morena that the seeds of a poet, writer, and politician sprouted within him. In 1979-1980, he organized the Dalit class and raised an army for Indira Gandhi’s Congress (I) in Morena, leading a 'Rail Roko' (Stop the Train) protest. Seeing the adverse impact of these activities on their own reputation, senior Congressmen there began opposing him internally. Seeing unfavorable reactions instead of cooperation, Mr. Sadhak decided to change his workplace and, in 1981-82, left Morena for the capital Bhopal to stay with his brother-in-law, Mr. Ramesh Chandra Shrivastava.
The Transition to Journalism
In Ginnori Talaiya, Bhopal, he started a typing shop with four or five machines. This shop became a hub for youth inspired by diverse political ideologies to exchange ideas and plan programs. It was in Ginnori Talaiya, Bhopal, that he came into contact with senior poets, writers, and journalists like Mr. Rajendra Nutan. By this time, the hidden poet within him had matured, and he began broadcasting his poems from the Bhopal Radio Station, becoming closely associated with the world of poets. Many renowned poets of India accepted him as a younger brother and showered him with their affection.
Along with Mr. Nutan, he began his journey in journalism with the 'Navbharat' newspaper and continued working there from 1981 to 1984. During the 1984 Bhopal Gas Tragedy, when there was outcry and chaos everywhere, Anil ji gathered all his companions to provide relief to the grieving and victimized families. For this purpose, he continuously performed social service from 1984-85. Meanwhile, he accepted membership in the BJP Yuva Morcha and worked commendably within the organization alongside the current state head, Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Establishment of 'Karmrath'
From 1986-87, he began working in the editorial board of the 'Swadesh' newspaper and continued his services there until 2004. In 1997, he independently started a new magazine, 'Karmrath', which is still being published continuously. For some time, he also edited the Hindi daily 'Kirti-Kranti' and later 'Samay Jagat', published from Bhopal.
While working at 'Swadesh', he actively participated in forming a journalists' union and held official positions. Later, keeping the interests of journalists in mind, he also formed the M.P. unit of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ) and remained an office-bearer as the General Secretary until the end. Mr. Sadhak was the individual who fought for pensions, health facilities, and other benefits for journalists. It is now the ultimate responsibility of all journalists to continue the battle he fought for the journalism fraternity.
Legacy and Final Moments
In his last editorial note of the monthly magazine 'Karmrath', he warned the ruling BJP government in the state about its declining public support and growing discontent, advising them not to tarnish the party's reputation. Though the bold and versatile journalist and the soul of 'Karmrath', Anil Sadhak, is no longer physically among us, the mark he left on politics, administration, society, and journalism will remain immortal.
The dark night of January 27, 2008, saddened and stunned not only the 'Karmrath' family but also all politicians, officials, social workers, and especially those associated with journalism who were close to Mr. Sadhak. At approximately 11:30 PM that night, he bid farewell to this world.
His untimely departure is like a bolt from the blue for the 'Karmrath' family, but the courageous decision to keep 'Karmrath' moving forward in line with established standards of courage, respect, impartiality, and fearless journalism is inspired by his principles, ideals, and conduct. Due to his long-term work in crime reporting for 'Swadesh', Mr. Sadhak had established such deep roots in the police department that the state's police chief treated him like a brother, and his influence extended from senior police officers to station in-charges and constables.
Hundreds of officers from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) shared an affectionate and friendly bond with him due to his journalism and working style.
Connection with Gopaldas Neeraj
Shri Anil Sadhak was not only hardworking but also a man of persistent and indomitable courage. Whatever task his mind was inspired to do, he would ensure it was completed. Beyond these qualities, his greatest and most special trait was that he would captivate any gathering he sat in, because, along with being a journalist, he was also a poet from the very beginning. Renowned poets and lyricists like Gopaldas Neeraj, Hariom Pawar, Vedbrat Vajpayee, and Satyanarayan Sattan considered him like a brother.
Neeraj Ji had a special affection for him. Due to his frequent participation in poetry symposiums (Kavi Sammelans) and his proximity to Neeraj Ji, he had memorized many of Neeraj Ji’s poems and couplets. He was so blessed by the Goddess of Speech (Saraswati) that when he hummed in melody, one would momentarily be deluded into thinking it was the voice of Neeraj Ji himself.
A Difficult Farewell
Although it seems not just difficult, but nearly impossible to write about the personality and contributions of Shri Sadhak during these moments of extreme grief and separation, as my pen falters, this is merely an introduction to the life of an indomitably courageous, struggling well-wisher of the journalism world and a multi-talented individual.
In this issue, that is all. To keep his memories eternal, upon the inspiration and request of all well-wishing readers, advertisers, friends, and supporters, we have taken up the task of publishing the monthly magazine "Karmrath" and walking the thorn-filled path of journalism. We trust that all of you, our dear ones, will continue to provide your blessings, suggestions, guidance, cooperation, and support in times of adversity as you have in the past. This will be our true tribute to him. In the end, a hundred salutations to the pioneer of poetry, writing, and journalism.
Questions Arising from Sadhak’s Martyrdom
Journalist Anil Sadhak departed from this world at the young age of just 54. From the beginning, he used to say that he wanted to live a full life of fifty years. He played the innings of his life with immense bravery. His presence in the journalistic circles of the capital (Bhopal) was like a gem; whichever newspaper he was associated with, he remained the center of attraction.
After entering politics through the Bharatiya Janata Party Yuva Morcha, he played a long innings in journalism at Dainik Swadesh. Even while working in an exploitative newspaper like Bhopal’s Swadesh, he established his presence so strongly that it was said he had become the identity of the newspaper. However, how long could he bear to see the newspaper flourish while the employees remained in a miserable state? One day, his patience broke, and he bid farewell to the newspaper.
After that, he started his own magazine and served in several other newspapers. But until the end, he could never become a "businessman." His mind worked in only one direction: how to keep himself active in social activities. He made unparalleled efforts to unite the community of journalists. The role he played in the Patrakar Bhawan (Journalist House) dispute became a milestone.
Activism and Ideology
When he entered journalism, the Working Journalist Union held significant influence in the state. During that era, the pressure of commercialization had already entered newspapers. Despite this, journalism remained connected to social movements. Apart from his writing, Sadhak was also involved in social activities.
At that time, the Patrakar Bhawan in Malviya Nagar was the main center for journalists' activities. Journalists used to feel a sense of aversion toward capitalism. Meanwhile, journalists associated with organizations of leftist ideology gave momentum to the Trade Union movement. Sadhak did not belong to the leftist ideology; he was a partial supporter of the Sangh (RSS) background. He was called a "partial" supporter because he was also a proponent of modern capitalist ideology.
Contributions to the Fraternity
Most of his career was spent in the role of a reporter. He did not show much interest in editorial tasks, but he always encouraged good editorial writing. This is why, when the issue of exploitation of journalists by the "factories" (big newspaper houses) of the capital was raised, his poetic heart became restless, and he began working actively in the Working Journalist Union for the welfare of journalists. At that time, no other journalist organization was as active.
Active journalists in the organization took full advantage of Sadhak’s personality. That era was the peak of the journalists' movement. Not only were there protests, but many reforms were also witnessed. His role in technically equipping Patrakar Bhawan was the most distinct. When computers were considered a big deal, he made them available to journalists at Patrakar Bhawan. With people's cooperation, he gathered all kinds of resources there,TV, Fax, cupboards, fans, furniture, library books, newspapers, a computer room, a press conference room, and countless other facilities.
Free telephone services were made available to journalists at Patrakar Bhawan. A flood of Kavi Sammelans (poetry gatherings) and press conferences were organized. He did whatever he deemed appropriate for the interests of journalists.
Resistance Against Exploitation
Journalists benefited from Sadhak's activities, but since he was not a man molded in a business mindset, he did not take any personal advantage of it. His wife was in a government job; though her income was limited, it provided him with contentment. This was the reason he fought a long war against the exploitation of journalists.
As long as Patrakar Bhawan worked for the interests of journalists, Anil Sadhak remained present there. But when the grip of "exploiters" tightened over it, he bid it farewell. Because the Working Journalist Union saw his determination, it never left his side.
When a "copycat" who engaged in the politics of forgery among journalists got a new fake organization registered and took control of Patrakar Bhawan, Anil Sadhak stood firmly against it. Along with Jayant Verma, he made "Triveni" his office, yet journalists remained connected to him. It was only Anil Sadhak who, taking advantage of his administrative activism, got Patrakar Bhawan "acquired" (by the administration). The locking of Patrakar Bhawan was solely Sadhak's brainchild.
The Political Tug-of-War
It was the cunning of a communal and undemocratic ruler like Digvijaya Singh that, on one hand, seeing the journalists' demands, he allowed the acquisition of Patrakar Bhawan but did not let the problem be resolved. Based on some fake court cases, he allowed a traitor who sowed discord among journalists to remain in possession of a room in Patrakar Bhawan. This completely severed the journalists' remaining connection with the building.
When the author of this column told the then Industry Minister Narendra Nahta, "You are a Congressman while the leftists have occupied Patrakar Bhawan," he replied that even if they are leftists, Congress prefers them over communal people. In reality, the Trade Union movement that arose in Patrakar Bhawan was a result of the exploitative attitude of the capital’s press world. The leaders of that movement were Anil Sadhak, Chandrahas Shukla, the late Warsi, Ramesh Sharma, and several other journalists. However, the ideology for which these journalists campaigned could not flourish even after two and a half decades.
Shifts in Government and Half-Hearted Reforms
When the BJP government came to power under the leadership of Uma Bharti, there was some movement. A new organization was registered in Patrakar Bhawan named Madhya Pradesh Press Club Bhopal. Several reforms for the benefit of journalists were also implemented. But this golden period did not last long; before policies could take shape, Uma Bharti departed.
She was followed by Babulal Gaur, a Chief Minister with "shivering intentions," who put all reform work on the back burner. After that, talk of reforms vanished into thin air. Before the current Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan could do anything, the command of the information system fell into the hands of Narendra Singh Tomar. Journalists asked him to initiate solid reforms, and there was talk of a new policy for journalists. The government promised in the Assembly that it would create policies in the interest of journalists, but these promises could not be fulfilled as the government's term neared its end.
The "Curse" and the Loss of a Warrior
While some reforms occurred, the dark stain could not be removed from Patrakar Bhawan because Narendra Singh Tomar did not want to release the reins of the building from the hands of his relatives. He was plagued by baseless fears that journalists might become "unbridled".
Strange rumors circulate among journalists; few journalists claimed that some people even performed a Tantric ritual to ensure that journalists opposing the irregularities at Patrakar Bhawan were singled out and eliminated. These journalist friends claim to be eyewitnesses to this ritual. While the BJP government knows there is power in mantras, could such a lowly act succeed? Clearly not.
There could be many reasons for Sadhak’s untimely death: He was extraordinarily careless regarding his health. His carefree (bindaas) lifestyle itself was a hindrance to his health.
A Legacy of Integrity
Among those paying tribute at the crematorium were some "shrewd" people. One even suggested that Sadhak’s magazine should be given advertisements to support his family. These are the same people who lured newspapers into government schemes and then abruptly stopped advertisements, causing the closure of several publications that truly served as guides for society.
Today, the lives of those journalists have become difficult, and the landscape of journalism is very foggy. Anil Sadhak’s family needs support, and the government must consider how this can be done. Furthermore, if the government develops a clear vision for journalism, it will benefit both Madhya Pradesh and the journalists.
Anil Sadhak fought the journalists' battle to the point of negligence toward his own life; therefore, he is worthy of respect even after death. He truly sacrificed himself while working for the welfare of journalists with a pure heart. His sacrifice will not go in vain. He will remain a "Deepshikha" (flame) making journalists brilliant. Anil Sadhak’s martyrdom has left many questions for journalists with a solid conscience, and they will surely reflect upon them.
Sacrifices Will Be Offered After Martyrdom
That nation is great where people are eager to sacrifice themselves for it. India is counted among such nations, where people die for their country in various ways. There is no shortage of people standing in line to offer this ultimate sacrifice. Some coined the phrase "Mera Bharat Mahan" (My India is Great), and people began saying it with pride. However, perspectives vary; some skeptically added that "even if ninety-nine out of a hundred are corrupt, my country is still great." Similarly, the sacrifices of those who die for the nation are often scrutinized or mocked in every era.
Recently, the sudden demise of journalist Anil Sadhak became a subject of discussion. In a special editorial in Jasoos Badshah, it was noted that the martyrdom of Anil Srivastava (Sadhak) has raised several questions. While many saw this article as a true tribute to the late Anil Sadhak, some argued that calling his death "martyrdom" is an exaggeration. They argue that if Mr. Sadhak’s death is termed martyrdom, then what would we call the sacrifice of soldiers who die on the battlefield facing enemy bullets? They believe that a death occurring within one's own home cannot be called martyrdom.
Anil 'Sadhak’ - A Martyr
It is argued that if the person passing away was not a dedicated worker like a 'Sadhak' (an ascetic), their death wouldn't be called a sacrifice. However, the death of journalist Anil Sadhak was not a natural or simple one. A person who did not take the complexities of society seriously might call it a normal death. Every individual has flaws, and those who saw his behavioral shortcomings might not see it as more than a natural death.
However, those who closely witnessed the penance of Anil Sadhak cannot see his death as anything other than self-sacrifice. There are many forms of the "desire for revolution" (Sarfaroshi). Some believe that raising a voice for the freedom of Bhopal’s Patrakar Bhawan is not such a grave matter that Anil Sadhak should be granted the status of a martyr. Such people are, in fact, unaware of the insight for which he preferred government acquisition over the "slavery" of the Patrakar Bhawan.
The Battle for Patrakar Bhawan
People often undervalue the seriousness with which journalists in the capital have been advocating for the establishment of this building for years. The journalists who contributed to building it certainly didn't intend for a person of "Chandal" (wicked/low) character to occupy it. They didn't want the natural instincts of journalists to be suppressed or for the place to become a den for looters and power brokers.
Since the building became mired in controversy, journalists in other regions of the state began building their own Patrakar Bhawans. However, many of those remained soulless, perhaps inspired by the ideology of loot and fraud prevalent in the capital. While the Indore Press Club showed its presence in some ways, it too failed to prove itself as a "health club" for the freedom of the press.
Those fighting for the freedom of Bhopal’s Patrakar Bhawan are often accused of being "contenders for the chair" (power-hungry). Critics claim they only talk about freedom because they want to occupy the building and continue the same practices currently being carried out by a fake journalist organization, one that sits in a single room based on forged court orders. If Anil Sadhak had merely wanted to occupy the building it would have been possible back then because he had the administration, the government, and an army of supporters. Even today, there are many people who possess the passion for a bloody revolution. If the contemporary journalists and revolutionaries had also used a bloody struggle to remove the British from power, then the blood of today's journalists has not turned into water either. Removing those who have forcibly occupied the power of Patrakar Bhawan is a problem that could be solved in less than a few hours.
Despite this, those who seek to transform society in a well-considered manner know that success achieved through short paths or before the appropriate time is often meaningless. Buildings like Patrakar Bhawan are centers of social movements. Keeping this thought in mind, journalist Anil Sadhak adopted all democratic methods. He mobilized journalists, but there is an appropriate time and path for every task.
Journalists could not understand the depth of his thoughts while he was alive. As long as the struggle for India’s independence did not become a message of glowing embers, those who raised their voices against the British were called heaven-knows-what. Some died being called "scoundrels," some were called "good men," but no one called them "martyrs."
The real meaning of Shahadat was understood only when the cycle of British repression began to hover on the streets as a dealer of death. So many people became victims of British outrage while protesting and died later, but no one wrote their story and no one honored them by calling them "martyrs." Because of this, should their contribution to fanning the flame of the freedom struggle be considered less?
Anil Sadhak also became a victim of the same dilemma. For those who do not understand the struggle for the freedom of Patrakar Bhawan with seriousness, the death of Anil Sadhak is an unnatural death. Those who are not proud of the Patrakar Bhawan,which has the capacity to change the state and society,for them, the demise of Anil Sadhak appears to be a normal death.
But those who know how the freedom of Patrakar Bhawan is capable of changing the politics and social system of Madhya Pradesh and then the country, for them, the demise of Anil Sadhak is Shahadat (Martyrdom). Only those can know the restlessness with which he spent every single day to restore the shine of this "Golden Temple" of journalists, who have seen and felt the struggle for the freedom of Patrakar Bhawan closely.
Those who consider the death of Anil Sadhak as martyrdom are not fools. Tribute is not being paid to late Sadhak in any fragile emotionalism. Behind this is a clear thought. There is an attempt to send a message to the government and the people of the state that the freedom of Patrakar Bhawan is the voice of the soul of journalists.
It is said in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita that the soul is ageless and immortal; it can neither be cut, nor pierced. Neither can the wind dry it, nor can fire burn it, nor can water wet it. The idea of the freedom of an institution like Patrakar Bhawan is also ageless and immortal like the soul. Even though Anil Sadhak has left the world, Patrakar Bhawan,which plays a major role in taking Madhya Pradesh, a significant unit of India, to new heights,will definitely get its freedom when the time comes.
It will certainly be snatched from the clutches of the brokers of power and handed over to journalists with pure thoughts. For this, no matter how many seekers (sadhaks) have to make their pranotsarg (sacrifice of life). When the time comes, people will also know that martyrdom is not just the death of the physical body. To resolve upon the voice of the soul and to sacrifice one's body for it is also Shahadat. Patrakar Bhawan has certainly become such a sacrificial altar (havan kund) of struggle, in which martyrdom has occurred and further offerings will be made.