The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Most like it, some don't...

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 18, 2005

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Most like it, some don't...

We note that reader responses to the comprehensively redesigned, new look The Hindu have been running at least 80:20 in favour of the change, with much of the approval being enthusiastic and unqualified. There are of course those who are unhappy with the radical change sprung on them on April 14, 2005, or have reservations. We believe most of these objections and reservations from serious readers reflect their attachment to our newspaper and will disappear or get diluted as we go on. We do hope the new look will grow on them. We value all the responses and thank our readers sincerely for taking the trouble to let us and, through our columns, other readers know what they think and feel about the redesigned newspaper. There is of course another aspect: as they say in I.T., "Content is King." The Hindu is strongly committed to raising its news and other editorial content to new levels of excellence. This response section for Project Design is now closed.

- N. Ram, Editor-in-Chief

Congratulations!

Heartiest congratulations for moving on with the times. On my frequent visits to New Delhi, I have found that no conversation amongst journalists has ever been complete without a reference to The Hindu. All without exception agree it is the best daily in India. The only criticism earlier was with respect to its conservative looks.

But the new look has changed that. In its new avatar it is, at least for me, the most attractive newspaper.

Forget the sceptics. Moving on with the times is about real time transformation. Wish you success in all your efforts.

B.S. Rathore,

Chennai

Every day started the same way — with filter coffee and The Hindu . Until April 14 that is. The day sprang a surprise. The new look newspaper is an eye-catcher. The layout, colour format, text font ... everything seems to fit beautifully.

It has struck a perfect balance between the contemporary and the classical. It is on a par with the leading international dailies in terms of layout and content.

Kamlesh Kumar,

Chennai

I enjoy the new look very much. Thanks to Mario Garcia and all the other people who made this possible.

Mubeen Asim,

Kurnool, A.P.

The history of redesigning newspapers is as old as the medium itself but The Hindu has done it in style. Truly an icon of Indian journalism, The Hindu has once again proved that leaders do not do different things; they do things differently.

Ashok Kumar,

Bhopal

Congratulations to all the members involved in initiating and designing the new format. It is true that the new look has a few drawbacks. But when compared with the advantages, the flaws are not significant.

Nawin,

Vijayawada, A.P.

Just perfect

Wow! I was thrilled and amazed by the new look of The Hindu ! It is gorgeous, easier to read and compact. Everything is just perfect.

Suman Pala,

Hyderabad

The great always remain great and so does The Hindu . It has become young again.

R.S. Potti,

Chennai

I am elated to see the new look. It shows that The Hindu is innovating and competing with the other papers in the industry.

Vedula Krishna,

Visakhapatnam, A.P.

The Hindu looks truly international and spectacular.

M.K. Mishra,

Rourkela, Orissa

The new look is most welcome. The layout and quality of printing are very good and attractive.

G. Kiran Kumar,

Hyderabad

Wow! I thought I was reading an international paper. Keep it up!

A. Meghana,

Hyderabad

April 14 was the first time that I could read the entire newspaper in one sitting, without squinting my eyes. Earlier, I had to take a short break. This, I am sure, must have been the experience of all your readers.

Aroon Khanna,

Pune

The redefined content is very good, especially the op-ed page and the editorial page. The new design clearly differentiates news from analysis and opinion.

A. Achyuthaa Rao,

Bangalore

Happy to see The Hindu in its new form. I am a fan of the photographs published in the newspaper. The Hindu dated April 16 had beautiful photographs adding beauty to the new colourful daily. Congratulations on the new look.

E. Nisbet Samuel,

Marthandam, T.N.

The international design of the newspaper is far more pleasing to the eye than the conventional one. Your readers stand by your tireless efforts at evolving a new style. Thank you for the pleasant surprise.

V. Krishna Mohan,

Visakhapatanam, A.P.

The redesign was always on the cards and I expected it sooner or later. It is not possible for everyone to like every bit of the neo-The Hindu. Nevertheless what I noted with satisfaction is that the letters column has gained more prominence. It stands out in the editorial page. As always, The Hindu has acknowledged its readers' role.

M. Vishnu Menon,

Thiruvananthapuram

In addition to the new look and style, I hope you will maintain your accuracy.

Gokul Mohan Arakkal,

Thiruvananthapuram

I generally welcome the new design. Although it looks a little different and refreshing, the print is light. Many people read the paper in the late evening and old timers may find it a little difficult to read without proper lighting.

Otherwise the changes brought about are good. The Hindu now looks modern in every sense of the term. Keep up the good work.

R. Vasudevan,

Tarapur

It is really a welcome change you have brought in. The colour scheme, more white space in most pages, the font and size of the print, and good spacing are all harmoniously blended — the basis of quality and class.

M.G. Balu,

Tiruvannamalai, T.N.

A thing of beauty

Beauty lies is in the eyes of the beholder. The new look is pleasing to the eyes and an unusual beauty. The 126-year-old looks younger.

Dilip Justus,

Nagercoil, T.N.

The get-up of The Hindu is at once striking, colourful and eye-catching. It has mass appeal too. But I differ with Mr. Garcia's views that a quicker-trip-through-the-newspaper-journey is the order of the day.

The Hindu needs much more than a once over. It needs to be studied and pondered over. My request to you, therefore, is: whatever changes you make do not reduce the news content.

K. Balasubramanian,

Chennai

I could not resist writing to you, congratulating you for giving us a new look newspaper.

There have been several newspapers that have changed their design at the cost of content, but in the case of The Hindu, both the form and the content are a delight.

Ron Duarah,

Dibrugarh, Assam

Whatever the look of The Hindu, it is always a welcome product in my house. Because it is the content that has fascinated me, not the look.

Abhishek Ranjan,

Roorkee, Orissa

Congratulations on bringing out the new look newspaper. As one of your young readers, I feel it would be wonderful if you could release a miniature version of the supplement showcasing the evolution of the paper's front page.

Nageshwara Rao Jaladi,

Visakhapatnam, A.P.

Old order changeth

`Old order changeth yielding place to new.' The change is welcome. No doubt it will increase the circulation. Practically speaking, the strain on my eyes has been reduced. My only request is pay serious attention in selecting the news that appears on the front page. I feel bad when less important matter is published for no reason.

Baby Sundaram,

Srirangam, T.N.

Some readers suggested that the date be printed below the masthead on the editorial page for easy reference on April 15. On April 16, The Hindu printed the date on the editorial page. It shows how responsive the newspaper is to its readers' needs.

G. Purushothaman,

Tirunelveli, T.N.

It was a pleasant surprise to receive the well dressed, modern, bright and pretty 126-year-old newspaper.

M. Vasudevan,

Thiruvananthapuram

Another avatar?

When informed of a development of national importance, a leader cryptically asked: "Has the Mount Road Maha Vishnu confirmed it?" Such is the credibility of The Hindu . The Maha Vishnu, it seems, has taken a new avatar. Congratulations and good luck.

K.C. Jayaram,

Chennai

The new look is certainly contemporary. Any change will take some time to gain acceptance, and over time readers will get used to The Hindu's new avatar. I am happy that you have not made my favourite newspaper a tabloid and have stuck to the broadsheet format. The Young World supplement will now appeal to its target audience more.

S. Naveen,

Bangalore

Bravo! Mr. Garcia, your painstaking efforts have really worked wonders! A positive change is always welcome. In the case of The Hindu it is laudable.

J. Ragavendra,

Chennai

Kudos to The Hindu for its refreshing new look. It has kept pace with the times and rejuvenated itself, much to the delight of its readers. However it should bear in mind the words of Samuel Johnson: "The change itself is nothing, when we have made it; the next wish is to change again."

K. Gopakumar Menon,

Thrissur, Kerala

Baisakhi gift

The new look is truly wonderful. What a lovely gift on Baisakhi!

Ram Gurbaxani,

Vadodara, Gujarat

The Hindu has greeted its readers in its own inimitable way. Only this newspaper can outdo its own earlier performances.

R.M. Manoharan,

Chennai

It took me three issues of your newspaper to form an impression. The first issue amazed me. After all, a new look is always welcome and refreshing. However, the first impression need not always be the best! So, I waited for the second issue.

It was fabulous and I was acquainted with the look. Nevertheless, the lasting impression is the one that lingers. That came from the third issue. Familiarity breeds contempt? Nay, it is awesome.

Godwin David,

Chennai

The Hindu is bright now with its sparkling new masthead. The photographs and presentation of news are attractive.

O.S. Krishnamoorthy,

Madurai, T.N.

The new design is simply great. The layout is good, bringing The Hindu to international standards. You could probably trim the size of the issue.

Vijayalakshmi &

Krishna Kumar,

Secunderabad

Let me congratulate you for the new look you have given to the best newspaper of the country. It has once again shown everyone why this newspaper is so special. We hope the pursuit of true and honest journalism will continue. Best of luck.

Nippani Aditya,

New Delhi

The national newspaper looks like an international newspaper. As far as I can remember, there is only one thing I have never found in The Hindu yet — a lie. I welcome the new look newspaper.

M. Hassain Nawaz,

Vellore, T.N.

Trendy & attractive

The introduction of the new look on the Tamil New Year Day was a great idea. The light colour, and clarity in printing are very attractive. The latest fashion is trendy. Well done!

R. Anuradha Rajappa,

Batlagundu, T.N.

I was thrilled to see The Hindu. It is good to read, nice to see, and rich to preserve.

D. Venkiteswaran,

Wandoor, Kerala

We are very much delighted with the new look newspaper. It is pleasing and attractive. It is certainly in keeping with the contemporary times, retaining at the same time nostalgia of the old times.

A.B. Reddy,

Hyderabad

It is very heartening to note the respect The Hindu has for the opinion of its readers on the new look. I do not think any other paper shows this kind of concern for its readers' views.

M.S.R.A. Srihari,

Khammam, A.P.

When I picked up The Hindu of April 14, my initial response was to get angry with the hawker for having delivered the wrong paper. But as I realised what I was in for, I was pleasantly surprised.

Hats off to The Hindu team and Mr. Garcia for making the paper a classic, candid product of contemporary times.

Anoop Kumar Vaidya,

Ranchi

We are indeed happy to see the new look. It is a matter of pride not only for the management of the paper but also for the readers.

Bendi Sreeramamurty,

Visakhapatnam, A.P.

We welcome the new look. But the earlier font was very attractive. The new font is congested. Rest of the things are fine.

Kishore Krishnan,

Kalady, Kerala

The new design and look are pointers to the quality of the content. They capture the minds and hearts of the readers. Congratulations to the design team and the editorial board of the newspaper. But it is also true that there are many other newspapers with a similar look.

Naresh Chandrasekaran,

Hyderabad

The new look is great. The eye-catching colours and easy-to-read fonts are highly impressive and reader friendly.

Manu Melwin Joy,

Thrissur, Kerala

Exemplary

The new design is not only excellent, but exemplary.

L.N. Sivakumar,

Chennai

The proof of the pudding is in the eating.

It is rather superfluous to explain the advantages of the new look. I, who have been accustomed to The Hindu for well over 65 years, can say with conviction that the present format of the paper is superb.

T.M. Sundararaman,

Chennai

The presentation of news is more eye-catching under the new heading.

S. Krishnan,

Chennai

A significant facelift with a comprehensive colour design is really pleasing. The Young World looks younger. Congratulations!

Arcot Easwaran,

Chennai

Fine feathers alone can make a fine bird. The Hindu has proved it. Indeed, the new format and the font are pleasing to the eye. The reader-friendly appearance of the daily has made the readers feel at home. The Letters to the Editor column is crystal clear in the new format.

H. Ghouse Baig,

Tiruchi, T.N.

For almost six decades, I have been following with great interest the evolution of the paper in the matter of format, news content and presentation.

It has incorporated the latest developments in printing technology.

As you have legitimately claimed, The Hindu is classic, yet contemporary. The name of the paper appearing in bold blue characters is soothing and aesthetically appealing.

C.P. Srinivasan,

Chennai

The masthead in blue was the first to catch my eyes. It provoked me to have a quick curious peep into the pages. The facelift is welcome.

C.R. Narayanan,

Cuddalore, T.N.

The new look is easier on the eye. The legible and bold letters are easy to read for senior citizens like me.

The Letters to the Editor and Globescan columns are examples. I hope you will not shrink the letters for want of space.

D. Dhanasayan,

Tirunelveli, T.N.

Thank you for allotting more space for my favourite corner, Crossword. The squares are bigger and the format is pleasant to work on.

Elizabeth Jeyaraj,

Chennai

I was amazed and totally surprised to see The Hindu wearing a new look. At the outset I must say I liked it. It looks like South China Morning Post which I have always admired.

M.B. Nirmal,

Chennai

Imposing look

It was indeed a pleasant surprise to see the revamped newspaper in pleasing blue and bold. The allocation of spaces for diverse news items, the new fonts, colourful oblong strips highlighting the items of major interest, well spaced editorial columns, expanded Letters to the Editor section, widened and redesigned corner for crossword and other colourful photographs and features have indubitably given the newspaper a new, impressive and imposing look.

N. Ramachandran,

Chennai

April 14, 2005 is a red letter day in the history of The Hindu. I pay my compliments to you for the excellent print as I can read the newspaper at 80 without the help of my glasses.

P.V. Srinivasan,

Chennai

Undoubtedly it is a fantastic design — legible and attractive. Reading through it is a pleasure.

Bijay Prakash,

Karaikal, Pondicherry

The Young World supplement looks very good. I enjoy the new avatar of The Hindu.

S. Ravindran,

Karnal, Haryana

The layout is aesthetically attractive and easy on the eye. It bears international looks and strikingly resembles The Daily Telegraph.

C. Narendra Kamath,

Bangalore

Refreshing indeed

The newly designed edition was as unexpected as the summer rains. So refreshing! I am very much enamoured of its get-up and am sure it will go a long way in satisfying its readers. Change is the very essence of life and a newspaper is no exception.

V. Gangadharan,

Kuthuparamba, Kerala

Congrats to Mr. Garcia and The Hindu team. You have the international look now. Sans Serif font is really reader-friendly. The newspaper now has the magical power to entice any reader in the world.

Sandhya Radhakrishnan,

Thiruvananthapuram

Whenever The Hindu celebrates an occasion, I also celebrate it as some sort of family function. My congratulations on its new look which is classic and also elegant.

S. Thiraviasundaram,

Coimbatore

I was really enthralled to see my newspaper in the new elegant format. Congratulations.

V. Prabhakar,

Bangalore

I was extremely happy to receive the newspaper with its revolutionised looks. Hearty congratulations to the master designer and his colleagues for giving such a grand and attractive look to The Hindu! The layout is magnificent and the typography excellent. Let this change be a milestone for the paper.

Annu Mathew,

Kottayam, Kerala

The master designer has done an excellent job. As a reader of many years, I extend a warm welcome to the grand old lady in her new make-up.

C.A.C. Murugappan,

Kothamangalam, T.N.

A change is always welcome. The new look is fantastic, excellent and fascinating. Keep it up!

Philip Verghese Ariel,

Secunderabad

The Hindu of April 14 looked charming. It was as refreshing as a bath in a stream.

O.P. Menon,

Palakkad, Kerala

So far, you were an exceptional paper both in content and outlook at the national level. Now, you have only raised the standards to the international level.

K. Malikul Azeez ,

Chennai

Blend of the best

The Hindu, a blend of rich history, culture, values and ethics wears a new look indeed. The new design is bold and beautiful.

K. Ramaswamy,

Chennai

As a reader of The Hindu for more than four decades, I welcome the change in its design. Kudos to Mr. Garcia as also your team for the fantastic production of the paper! The rectangular drops in the editorial add to the elegant touch. The cartoon finds its correct place.

R. Soundararajan,

Nagapattinam, T.N.

The new look only reinforces the fact that old is gold.

Rakesh Singla,

Patiala, Punjab

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