ST JOSEPH’S COLLEGE OF LAW

RESIDENCY ROAD, BANGALORE

ASSIGNMENT
TOPIC: THE JOURNALIST IN GANDHI
SUBJECT: ENGLISH

NAME: POOVIZHI KALYANI M

I BALLB – A
SUBMITTED TO: PRACHI MA’AM
DATE OF SUBMISSION: 25.03.2022
 INTRODUCTION

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi fondly called as Mahatma Gandhi, Bapuji he is also

addressed as the father of the nation. Gandhiji was born on October 2 1869. He came from a
middle-class family background and passed his matriculation examination in the year 1887.
He then went to Samaldas college as it was cheaper when compared to Bombay (now known
as Mumbai). At first, he never found interest in studies as he felt he was left at sea and he
could hardly understand the lessons. After Mavji Dave’s advice who is an old friend of
Gandhiji’s father who acted like a fatherly figure to his family after Gandhiji’s fathers’ death.
He advised Gandhiji to take up the barrister profession which could fetch him a good salary
and could increase the income of the household and reduce his elder brothers’ burden. But at
first Gandhiji was not convinced by this idea as he wanted to get into medical profession. But
because of family’s denial he dropped that idea set his mind to pursue law. After discussing
with his family members Gandhiji went to England to pursue law. After his graduation and
enrolling himself at the Bar Gandhiji returned to India. He never knew anything about Indian
Law as he was well versed in the laws of the United Kingdom. He practised for a few months
at Bombay but felt underconfident to handle a case himself. He then returned to Rajkot and
with his brother’s influence he stared to draft applications and memorials. Which earned him
a decent amount. After spending a year in India, he went to South Africa for a case brought in
by his brothers’ influence. He was a partner of Dada Abdullah and Co.; this is the part where
there was a turning point in Gandhiji’s career. His revolutions started in South Africa fighting
for the rights of Indian’s living there. He was kicked out of first-class compartment of the
train which he was travelling in South Africa. He was disturbed by the discrimination which
was practised in South Africa. He fought for the rights of migrant labourers of South Africa
without violence which is also known as the Ahimsa way of opposing the Britishers. Gandhiji
always believed in non-violence as he is a very calm and a composed person who believed in
truth and patience as it makes the Britishers to realise their mistakes and make them feel
guilty for their actions. After practising in Africa for 21 successful years Gandhiji returned to
India in the year 1901. He returned to India and permanently settled here. He gave up his
profession and devoted most of his time in public service. Gandhiji has always supported the
British government till 1918. It was after the Jallianwala Bagh incident in the year 1919
Gandhi became a non-co-operator of the government. Gandhiji was one of the greatest
journalists during his times. He never feared to share his thoughts or opinions about the
British Government.
 SYNOPSIS:

Gandhiji worked as a writer (journalist) and editor for well-known magazines during his
times and they were Young India, Navajivan, Harijan, Harijanbandhu, Harijansevak and
Indian opinion while he was working at South Africa.

He also said that “the main purpose of journalism is service”.

THE JOURNALIST IN GANDHI

Gandhiji was a frequent writer on different aspects of journalism. To him the three most
important considerations for journalism were editorial autonomy, truth and self-restraint.

Gandhiji started to write at the age of 19 when he was at London. He completed his three
years barrister course in London. During his barrister course Gandhiji used to write about
Indian festivities, tips on vegetarian-based diet as he himself was a vegetarian. After
returning from South Africa Gandhiji stayed on India for one and a half years and sailed to
South Africa to assist and handle Dada Abdullah’s case. Gandhiji started his movement as a
satyagrahi when he was practicing in South Africa and fought for the rights of the Indians
who lived in South Africa.

He was a man of the people who chose to write about the problems faced, their feelings and
their dreams. His human approach attracted thousands of people which gave his writings a
distinct personality. He had always and wanted to educate people about the importance of
economic, political and social independence. He communicated through his writings most of
the times.

He also encouraged people to take up journalism as a tool of non-violence and also a service
to the people and the nation. Gandhiji with the help of Indians residing in South Africa
started the publication of his first newspaper known as the “INDIAN OPINION”. This
newspaper was started to voice out the feelings and opinions of Indians living in South
Africa. The Indian Opinion had been published in four languages namely English, Tamil,
Hindi and Gujarati. Gandhiji not only wrote for the publication but also managed and
contributed to the financial expectations to cover the costs of the publication.

During the times when Gandhiji decided to quit practice as a lawyer and to leave South
Africa to devote his time and energy to his public works in India he handed over the key
position to Mr. Polak who is a close associate of Gandhiji. After a few years Gandhiji sent his
son Manilal Gandhi who is the second child of Gandhiji, who wanted him to take charge of
the English edition and to take complete charge over the Gujarati edition of The Indian
Opinion.

Gandhiji took up a Gujarati journal which he took in charge of the same. the next day
Gandhiji started the publication of Young India and Gandhiji was the editor for both the
publications. The Harijan, was Gandhiji’s popular journals which spoke about the
untouchables. Harijan roughly translated means “men of God”.

Young India and Harijan was regarded highly for his views on a wide range of issues. He
wrote about everything in simple language and also vigorously which helped people to
connect. As mentioned earlier Gandhiji said that the purpose of newspaper is to express
popular sentiments and grief. Also, it is a tool to stir up sentiments among people. The last
but not the least function is to expose the flaws of the Government without any fear.

There were no advertisements in Gandhiji’s papers and yet they were widely circulated. His
strategy to journalism was completely lacking in ambition as he saw journalism as a social
service and he always promoted social service. Gandhiji was not a trained journalist. He
started as a freelance journalist and after he started his public work in India it became a
means of communication between Gandhiji and the society. In Young India Gandhiji has
quoted that he has taken up journalism not for one’s own, but as an aid to what he has found
as the mission of his life. Also, he says that it’s his mission to lead an example and
demonstrate the unbeatable weapon of Satyagraha.

Gandhiji was a supporter of the British Raj till the year 1918 as they helped in major
developments of the country during their rule. He expressed his support through various
incidents. During the Boer Challenge Gandhiji showed his support by running an ambulance
service also he served during the Zulu revolt, war between England and Germany which is
popularly known as the first world war and many more incidents.

It was the Chauri-Chaura, Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Rowlatt act etc., which made Gandhiji
to become a non-co-operator and Gandhiji started to write against the British Raj and had
also faced consequences for the same. though he faced a lot of consequences Gandhiji never
gave up on writing his views and feelings about the British Raj.
 CONCLUSION

When one accepts the obligation of editorship, he should do so with a complete sense of duty.
It’s the only way to practice journalism says Gandhiji. He also advises the journalist to carry
out their responsibilities with integrity. In one of his speeches, he says that the press was
termed the fourth estate also added that it was unarguably a power, but abusing the same is a
crime.

Gandhiji was indeed a journalist and wanted the other journalist to recognise their
responsibility and go about their work with no other goal in mind than to uphold the truth. He
was against writings which created tension in the society. He believes that one(journalist)
must have self-control and discipline in order to work towards truth and timely justice.