Role of Newspapers in Cultural Awakening and Freedom Movement During the British period, Social reformers began actively campaigning for radical changes in the society. The reformation of Hinduism, the move for abolition of ‘Sat! and efforts to encourage widow re-marriage were some of the major reforms. Inspired by these great leaders, many newspapers were started in different parts of the country.

Many freedom fighters of Indian Independence were the editors of newspapers. Amrit Bazar Patrika (started in 1868) was edited by Sisir Kumar Ghosh, Bengalee (started in 1833) was edited by Surendranadh Banerjee, ‘The Hindu’ (started in 1878) was edited by G. Subramaniya Iyer, ‘Kesari’ (started in 1881) was edited by Balagangadhara Tilak.

The editors expressed their views through these newspapers. These papers played a prominent role in arousing national consciousness among Indians. The Krishna Patrika was edited by Mutnuri Krishna Rao. Nilagiripathrika, edited by S.V. Narasimha Rao of Nalgonda. Tenugu pathrika by Vaddiraju brothers from Inugurthi in Warangal. Golkonda, edited by Suravaram Pratapa Reddy. Urdu magazine Rayyat, edited by Mandumula Narasing Rao, Mahatma Gandhi wrote profusely. He took over the ‘Young India’ in 1918 and started another journal ‘Navjeevan’ in Gujarati. He wrote extensively in ‘Harijan’ under the editorship of Mahadev Desai.

Thus the newspapers played an important role in Freedom movement.