In the struggle-torn world of today, not only individuals try to better their lot, but even nations compete ferociously to overtake each other. Ever-growing competition has led to an almost unwholesome image-consciousness which manifests itself in organized showmanship by almost every country. This activity is generally known as public relations, which Amita Malik chooses to call the Media Game.
Amita Malik is a well-known journalist, radio and press reviewer and commentator. Her picture of the Indian image abroad is the result, as she tells us, of a 7-month trip to 14 countries, put in book form at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Simla, which afforded her a Fellowship for the purpose. Surprisingly, the author does not tell us the year of her visit abroad, but from a reference in the prologue it is clear that the book was in print when the Emergency was lifted. Apparently she journeyed abroad during the dark days at home. She says she has not been tempted to record India’s image abroad during the Emergency as this entire business is still too near and too fresh.