Nidhi Rajput
“The sole aim of journalism should be service.” – M.K. Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi’s journey into journalism began in 1903 with Indian Opinion in South Africa. He created the weekly to address the struggles of the Indian community and mobilize support for their rights. The journal became a platform for educating readers on issues like self-discipline, sanitation, and justice. It wasn’t just a newspaper but a tool for social reform.
Gandhi believed that journalism’s primary role was to serve the people by educating and inspiring them. For him, the press had a responsibility to report the truth, verify facts, and act as a moral guide for society, not a vehicle for profit.
He was also strongly opposed to the commercialisation of newspapers through advertisements. Gandhi criticised papers for promoting harmful products like alcohol and tobacco, believing this compromised their integrity. He argued that financial gain should never take priority over the press’s moral duty.
In conclusion, Gandhi’s view of journalism was rooted in ethics and service. His principles remain a guiding light for value-driven and socially responsible journalism today.
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