Page 78 - NIS-English 16-31 May 2022

India@75 Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav

THEIR WRITINGS

IGNITED THE REVOLUTION

Swarajya needs an editor. Salary: two dry rotis, a glass of cold water, and 10 years in jail for each
editorial. An advertisement published in 1884 is most likely the only advertisement in the world that
mentions a salary of ten years in jail. This advertisement demonstrates how difficult journalism was
in India during the time of slavery. During the same time period, the first Hindi language newspaper,
"Udant Martand," was published in India on May 30, 1826. The freedom struggle against the British
was waged in a variety of ways, with people rising to prominence by breaking down barriers of
region, class, and caste group. In this fight, journalists, along with dignitaries and enlightened
members of society, created an environment in which the entire country stood united against the
British government's exploitation and injustice. With their writings, these journalists not only raised
awareness of the evils but also inspired people to fight for freedom from British slavery.

oted poetess Mahadevi Varma once said, draw the sword. When the cannon is ready, pull out
"History is written by the blisters on the feet of the newspaper." This line describes the strength of
Njournalists." These words by Mahadevi Verma a newspaper. Many such people served the country
shed light on the role of journalists in India's freedom through journalism during the Indian freedom struggle.
struggle. The goal of these journalists was to awaken Almost every major figure during the liberation struggle
the masses and inspire them to participate in social was involved in some way with writing. In today's
reform and a national movement. Bringing out the world, the scope of journalism in India has expanded
newspaper was a very brave act at the time because dramatically, as has its responsibility. This is why
if the British found the things published in it to be bad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi frequently emphasises
the journalists faced the harshest punishment. In the the upliftment of the nation through journalism, and
freedom movement, newspapers were regarded as a he claims that journalism can only be meaningful if it
powerful medium and a weapon of war. Newspapers is positive. In this issue, read the stories of Makhanlal
and magazines established throughout India have a Chaturvedi, Azimullah Khan, Barindra Ghosh, and Raja
proud tradition of uniting the country's people against Rammohan Roy, who worked to give a new direction
colonial rule. to social reform and the freedom movement through
It is also said that "one should not draw the arrows or journalism.

76 New India Samachar May 16-31, 2022