Representing the unrepresented

Our largely unfettered press is a hugely important asset for democratic India. One of the great achievements of India is our free and vibrant press. This is an accomplishment of direct relevance to the working of democracy. Authoritarianism flourishes not only by stifling opposition, but also by systematically suppressing information.

The survival and flowering of Indian democracy owes a great deal to the freedom and vigour of our press.” Firmly believing these words of Amartya Sen, The Hans India began its journey exactly four years ago. On this happy occasion, we salute all those who energised our journey so far. We rededicate ourselves to the cause that made us come into being.

Today, The Hans India is the fastest growing English newspaper in the two Telugu States. During the last year itself, we launched Kurnool and Khammam editions, taking the total number to seven. We promise to launch a few more. English newspapers are often criticised for their elitist bias and are accused of being engrossed in the titillating world of fun, fashion and frolic.

But, we at The Hans India would like to represent the unrepresented. Thus, we reached out to semi-urban and rurban agglomerations, too, without disowning the metropolitan reader. “If you don't read the newspaper, you're uninformed. If you read the newspaper, you're mis-informed,” said Mark Twain. But, we believe newspapers have to perform a credible information function. Newspapers should neither be apologetics to the people in power nor be a destructive opposition.

Instead, they should discharge critical, adversarial and investigative functions. To quote Chomsky ‘s phrase, we at The Hans India do not indulge in manufacturing consent. But, we endeavour to contribute to India’s argumentative tradition. At a time when the institution of editor is fast becoming an endangered species, we always have the pleasure and privilege of cherishing utmost editorial freedom.

We humbly confess there is still a long distance to cover before the gap between aspiration and reality is bridged. We have promises to keep, and miles to go.. And miles to go… The global media trends indicate the fact that the printed word faces a threat of extinction in the wake of cyber invasion. But, India is witnessing a newspaper revolution as the distinguished political scientist Robin Jeffrey puts it.

A host of factors contribute to this: Increasing literacy rate; growing purchasing power; a marriage between capitalism and technology with an aggressive flow of investment; improved transport; and, more so, politicalisation of masses etc. The television boom is creating an appetite for news which newspapers can meet.

We share this bullish landscape with many players. But, with the support of our loyal readers, we hope to conquer. As D R Mankekar said, “Freedom of Press is not the freedom for the rich to own the means of production and silence the poor. The newspaper should provide the warning signals of an impending crisis.

” SEVEN DEADLY SINS as per Mahatma Gandhi are Wealth Without Work, Pleasure Without Conscience, Knowledge without Character, Commerce Without Morality, Science Without Humanity, Religion Without Sacrifice, and Politics Without Principle. Media without social responsibility is more perilous to society than all these. Let’s all join forces in this indefatigable effort to build a healthy world of journalism.