The Hindu : `A beacon of sobriety, reason'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 14, 2003

National

National

`A beacon of sobriety, reason'

By T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI SEPT. 13. Objectivity, clarity and authenticity are the three qualities that have built an enduring bond between

The Hindu and its readers, the Chairman of the 12th Finance Commission, C. Rangarajan, said today.

Delivering the special address at the inauguration of the newspaper's 125th anniversary celebrations here, Dr. Rangarajan said a good newspaper should let the information provided speak for itself. "It should be said to the credit of The Hindu that it has striven hard to present the news in a fair way and is not coloured by its own views."

Tracing the newspaper's birth and growth, Dr. Rangarajan said in the pre-Independence era, the paper threw all its energies towards achieving freedom. In the post-Independence period, it had to become a "dispassionate purveyor" of information without being the spokesman of the Government or of any other interest. "The Hindu effected the transition with great distinction, playing at times the role of constructive opposition and, at other times, an adversarial role".

In all the years of triumphs and difficulties, the newspaper had been a "beacon of sobriety and reason". Its tone was usually mild, though not always. "Nevertheless, it has always been instructive."

Dr. Rangarajan said the owners of The Hindu had never been involved in any activity other than journalism, avoiding any conflict of interests. "It had also not allowed the commercial interests to dilute its responsibilities in relation to providing unbiased information. The paper has thus far been both a responsible and a successful newspaper, even though it faces many challenges in the future."

Noting that the paper had learnt to combat effectively, competition from other media, most importantly electronic media, he said the latest innovations in printing technology found their first place in the paper.

The daily's centre page articles and specialised sections on technology management and agriculture had become sharper and more informative. "The Hindu has perhaps the best Sunday Magazine that any newspaper in India provides."

Pointing out that for most south Indians, the day began with the arrival of The Hindu and a morning cup of coffee, Dr. Rangarajan said a small seed sown 125 years ago had grown to be a giant tree.

The "old lady of Mount Road" continued to remain young. "She keeps rejuvenating herself every ten years or so by injecting new blood and new ideas."

He hoped that the newspaper would continue to play its role in preserving order and promoting change, where change was needed, through vibrant, articulate and responsible journalism.

Presiding, the Governor, P.S. Ramamohan Rao, said the paper generally remained rooted in the basic beliefs on which it was founded — namely freedom of the Press, fairness, justice and editorial responsibility to purvey authentic news but in a didactic mode to shape and mould public opinion. During the World War II years, the daily took on the Government itself in protest against pre-censoring of news by first blacking out the Government pronouncements and later suspending publication till the Government adopted a conciliatory attitude.

There were also occasions when its editorial comment was sharply critical of Mahatma Gandhi, and his views and methods.

Adverting to the paper's editorial published on August 27 that spoke of a "course correction" and distinction between facts and comments, he said: "such introspection only enhances the stature of the paper and deserves all round commendation."

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National