Newspapers: A cup of tea and the morning newspaper widely spread in the hands – this is how a gentleman was described by a writer. This is today typical of many an urbanite. A newspaper is a must, like a cup of tea, for modem citizens.

The newspaper fulfils a wide variety of roles in the modem community. It gives information about the happenings within the country and abroad, comments on political, economic and social developments and thus educates the reader. It helps him in coming to his own conclusions and forming opinions.

It is the newspaper again, that gives information regarding jobs or workers available. One can insert an advertisement in a local newspaper and choose his employees or even employers. They also give information regarding the large number of laws and rules made by the government from time to time. Ignorance is no excuse so far as law is concemed.

Newspapers also advertise for brides and bridegrooms. The “matrimonial” column is quite popular with eligible bachelors and spinsters and though the proverb is that “Marriages are made in Heaven” some are actually made through newspapers. There are other interesting columns such as Lost and Found, Machinery and equipment for sale, accommodations wanted or available and what not.

It is again the newspaper that gives us information regarding weather, and forecast about rainfall, which of course remains only a forecast. They also notify the radio and television programmes of the day, the films running in the cinema houses of the town and other entertainments available. For the traders, a newspaper is a must as it gives information regarding the prices prevailing at the market centres.

On Sundays, the newspapers carry special feature articles on topical subjects. They also review the latest books published in various fields. On the whole, newspapers today occupy a position in the lives of the people, which nothing else did so far. They are the source of all information one gets and they educate in the process. The politician, industrialist, the businessman and the student or the housewife all should read newspapers every day.