Question

Organise an essay competition in your school on ‘Newspapers, the fourth pillar of Democracy’.

Answer 1

‘Newspapers, the fourth pillar of Democracy’

Newspapers have an important role to play in the socio-political life of Indian society. The National media is the fourth pillar of our democracy. It has great power and greater responsibility towards the society in shaping public opinion, spreading awareness and leading it towards constructive work. Newspapers as the first and foremost medium of mass communication enjoy great popularity and respect. In the early days of the printing press, newspapers were expected to not only report daily events but also give impetus to commerce and industry by carrying out advertisements. During the freedom struggle, various national leaders were founders, editors and contributors of leading newspapers. Mahatma Gandhi edited several including Young India in English and Harijan in Gujarati, these publications contributed to the moral education of its readers, motivated the people towards right conduct and preached his noble ideas of peaceful resistance. Newspapers have evolved with time, changing their form to colour printing and have a greater role to play in modern times. It employs a large number of people in various divisions of production, works as a check and balance tool for the government, and stands responsible for the dissemination of correct information and freedom of opinion. Hence, newspapers are indeed the fourth pillar of our democracy.