Akash Banerjee
Deshbhakt Constitution: A Bold Manifesto for Satire, Facts, and Independence
This week on Deshbhakt: In an extraordinary episode, Akash Banerjee marked Constitution Day by putting out the guiding principles governing his platform, which he refers to as a “constitution” for the channel.
After more than six years of its bold satire, the factual integrity, and never compromising on independence, it is known for gaining an enormous reputation.
This very episode offered a very private glimpse into the ideology and hardships of the Deshbhakt team while nudging viewers to create their constitution too.
PLEASE FOLLOW US ON X/TWITTER FOR MORE SUCH INTERESTING UPDATE https://x.com/ThePhilox
IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO SHARE DO JOIN OUR TELEGRAM GROUP WE WILL RESPOND https://t.me/thephilox
The Foundation: Question Everything
The biggest principle of Deshbhakt’s charter is the one to “question everything, especially the ones in power”. According to Banerjee, the media and satire need to punch upwards at the powerful, not at the powerless.
Reviewing the last ten years he had pointed out how a conversation around public discourse invariably went into bashing or condemning figures like Aurangzeb or Nehru decades back instead of pointing their guns at the present regime.
Banerjee acknowledges the risks in this stance as Deshbhakt has often been trolled, abused, and accused of being “anti-national.” He, however, brought out the resilience in presenting uncomfortable truths, saying, “If raising questions for public welfare tags us as anti-national, we wear that badge with pride.”
Freedom Through Financial Integrity
A hallmark of Deshbhakt is unflinching financial independence. Three revenue streams Banerjee details for the channel are:
Paid Supporters: Members on these platforms ensure the sustainability of a channel and act as a sort of “check and balance” to its content. YouTube Ad Revenue: Though these are the secondary source but they contribute to day to day expenses.
Clearly marked Sponsored Episodes: These replace funding gaps without compromising editorial standards.
Banerjee assured viewers that not a single penny has been taken from political parties, NGOs, or hidden deals. Banerjee said, “Had we taken political funding, we’d be running a team of 600 people, not six.”
Facts Above All
For Deshbhakt, facts are sacrosanct. Banerjee proclaimed that every episode is based on verifiable fact, an ethos that has won for the channel some respect from those who abhor its politics. “You watch hundreds of episodes,” he said, “but you won’t find one with all facts wrong.” In this regard, the promise of facts reinforces the claim of this channel as one of a true voice for truth in this world of untruth.
Neutrality and Secularism
In contrast to being accused of bias, Deshbhakt brands itself secular and progressive. Banerjee said that the channel has never exploited religious sentiments for its benefit or given preferences to any community.
Banerjee was proud of his religious identity but rejected the politicization and weapons of Hinduism, an insult to the religion.
A Pragmatic Approach to Politics
In a refreshing take, Banerjee urged viewers to treat political affiliations as private as one’s “favorite position in the bedroom.”
He discouraged political fanaticism and argued for a pragmatic approach to voting: electing the “least dangerous” leaders, monitoring their actions, and replacing them swiftly when necessary. “Politicians are like dirty diapers,” he quipped. “Change them before they stink up the place.”
The Significance of Raising Awareness of Problems
Banerjee countered the charges of negativity by saying that Deshbhakt is taking up serious issues because it stands for truth.
He further said that the platform does not believe in the “positivity overdose” of the mainstream news channels, which often paint a far too rosy picture of the nation.
Personal Constitutions of Encouragement
In a unique twist, Banerjee encouraged viewers to adopt personal constitutions for their lives or organizations. By setting clear principles and rules, individuals can navigate complex political and social landscapes with clarity and integrity.
Legacy of Independence and Impact
Six years in, Deshbhakt remains a small but fiercely independent voice in Indian media. Banerjee’s candid explanation of the channel’s ethos resonated deeply, reinforcing its role as a champion of constitutional values and public accountability.
As Banerjee wrote, “In a world where facts are so often forgotten, we stand committed to our purpose: informing, provoking, and questioning; all within the purview of our constitution.”
This moving manifesto not only speaks for the relevance of Deshbhakt but also presents a call to arms for the citizenry: to scrutinize the world at large in a critical manner.
