Development of Mass Communication

The birth of Indian journalism dates back to the nationalist movement in the country. The earlier scribes were propelled and instigated with nationalist spirit. An Irish lady Annie Besant played a major role in the initial phase of the development of Indian journalism. She only wrote in English language and wanted to establish a strong vernacular press in India, which she hoped would rouse the nationalistic sentiments of Indians. Raja Ram Mohun Roy played a pivotal role in the growth of Indian journalism, he wrote in Bengali and English. His name is inextricably intertwined with the nationalistic movement and Indian journalism. Mahatma Gandhi’s contribution in national journalism is also very important in the history of Indian journalism. He used his two publications ‘Navajeevan’ and ‘Harijan’ to convey his feelings and thoughts to the public. His articles imbued people with nationalistic feelings. The press, after independence has been enjoying freedom except for a short spell of period of emergency. The press has been witnessing a rapid change in India for a couple of years. The present book gives an insight of the evolution, development and the present stage of Indian media.