The Helsingin Sanomat is the only national newspaper in Finland.
It has been in the past rabidly anti-India, publishing some of the filthiest articles about the country, usually authored by a big-headed "journalist", Jari Lindholm, who did not like the idea that he could not order the Indian Ambassador to fix an appointment for him with the Prime Minister! Mr. Lindholm wanted India nuked because he was served cold rice in Orissa!
At one time he was barred from being given a visa for India, but our Ambassador thought he should not impose such a policy. The "journalist" went to India and then wrote a vile piece, and we were not even allowed the right of reply!
Now, as commercial interests dictate, they are cozying up to India as Nokia has appointed an Indian "lady" onto its Board.
They have a glowing piece about her in their latest online English version: New Nokia board member says mobile phones can bring bank access to rural poor - Indian banking pioneer joins Mobile Phone team.
If Nokia can change its view from when "Paris is too far for NOKIA" to India being the jewel in its crown, I think Helsingin Sanomat, in true Finnish journalistic tradition has every right to be a "time server".
Annikki and Jacob Matthan live in Oulu, Finland. Annikki is a Finn, Jacob an Indian. They are the founders of the Findians Movement way back in 1967. Both are now retired. They have been married for 57 years. This blog is an account of their lives and thoughts as reminiscenced through Annikki's and Jacob's eyes.
This is a good post. I don't know where exactly Jari Lindholm stands in the world of journalism.
ReplyDeleteOver the last fifty-five years I have been following some of the leading Western newspapers and journals (including TIME) slowly shifting their virulent anti-India policy as India's stature improved.
There is an old Arab proverb, which appears pertinent: "Dogs bark but the caravan moves on."
Abaham Tharakan.