Western Media Narratives on India: From Gandhi to Modi

In Western Media Narratives on India: From Gandhi to Modi, author Umesh Upadhyay presents a critical examination of how Western English-language media has historically shaped, and continues to influence, the perception of India. The book posits that media outlets in the West have functioned as tools of cultural imperialism, aiming to maintain influence over former colonies by consistently targeting Indian leadership and projecting a biased image of the nation.

Spanning from India’s independence in 1947 to the contemporary era, the work scrutinizes the intensifying nature of these media attacks, particularly as India emerges as a global power. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the media's coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic, where the author highlights how Western narratives forecasted catastrophic failure in India. By drawing on historical precedents, Upadhyay unravels the deep-seated prejudices within the Western press. While deeply rooted in the Indian experience, the book offers universal insights for any nation navigating the long-term impacts of colonial-era media biases.