The Journalist in Gandhi : Read on to learn about Gandhi's Journalism Era

Gandhiji worked as a journalist and edited four well-known Journals in the middle of his many pursuits. Young India, Navajivan, and Harijan in India, as well as Indian Opinion in South Africa.

Gandhi's View on Journalism

"The sole purpose of journalism," he stated, "is service." The Mahatma's journals not only spread his ideas, but also set a new standard in journalism. He was a man of the people who wrote about their issues, feelings, and dreams. His human approach gave his writings a distinct personality. His plan was to teach people about the importance of political, economic, and social independence through his works.

"One of the objects of a newspaper," Gandhiji explained, "is to understand popular feeling and give expression to it; another is to arouse among the people certain desirable sentiments; and the third is to fearlessly express popular defects."

How did he start his Career as a Journalist?

Gandhiji travelled to London at the age of nineteen and read a newspaper for the first time. "In India," he said in his book, "I had never read a newspaper." He became interested in writing articles and began to contribute to the Vegetarian, the Vegetarian Society of England's newspaper. During his three-year stay in London, he submitted nine pieces to that publication about Indian nutrition, customs, and festivals, among other topics. This provided him with the option to work as a freelance journalist.

During his return trip to India, the ship he was travelling on encountered a severe storm. He described it from the ship to the Vegetarian, which is a fantastic example of independent journalism.

In April 1893, the young barrister set off for South Africa to defend one of Dada Abdullah and Company's lawsuits. The political context in South Africa not only turned him into a Satyagrahi, but also a skilled journalist. He served as the South African Correspondent of the India founded by Dadabhai Naoroji and began sending dispatches regarding the South African situation, with a focus on Indians' grievances there. During the Boer War, Gandhiji and his band of Indian volunteers volunteered to care for the ill and injured on the battlefield. During this time, he was a "War Correspondent."

Gandhi as an Editor of Several Newspapers

On June 4, 1903, Gandhiji, with the assistance of Indians, launched his first journal, Indian Opinion, in Natal, South Africa, in order to effectively express the views of Indians living in South Africa under the harshest form of apartheid. He wrote the inaugural editorial, "Ourselves," which was unsigned at the time. It is distinguished by the simplicity of his words.

English, Gujarati, Tamil, and Hindi were the languages in which the Indian Opinion was published. Gandhiji not only wrote for the publication, but also contributed financially to cover its costs. Mr. Henry Polak, one of Gandhiji's close colleagues, described the problems experienced by Indian opinion at the time. "The printing press, where typesetting was done by hand," Mr. Polak said, "it was powered by an oil engine that frequently broke down."

When this happened, the settlers had to rely on hand-power to finish the paper in time for the regular postal delivery." When this happened, Gandhiji, according to Mr. Polak, physically put his shoulder to the wheel with the same zeal as the others. There were no servants, peons, or other forms of help. The press employees had to print the paper, fold it, paste the addresses, bundle it, and transport it to the railway station.

Gandhiji left Indian Opinion in the care of Mr. Polak as he departed South Africa. In 1916, he assigned his 23-year-old second son, Manilal Gandhi, to oversee the Gujarati edition of the Indian Opinion as well as the English edition. He wrote to Shri Manilal Gandhi on occasion, advising him on the documents. "The Editor", wrote his journalist-son's journalist-father, "must be patient and seek only the truth." You should write what is true in Indian opinion, but do not be impolite or give in to rage. Be careful with your language. If you are, do not be afraid to admit it." Gandhiji inspired many people to pursue careers in journalism in the service of the country and the people.

A Gujarati periodical first appeared on October 7, 1919. Gandhiji assumed command. The Young India began publication the next day. Both were edited by Gandhiji. The Harijan, his most popular publication devoted to the cause of Harijans, or men of God as he referred to the untouchables, debuted on February 1, 1933. The Harijan was thereafter devoted to the cause of the villages and constructive activities in rural areas. Gandhiji was always willing to guide young journalists in their job. Gandhiji always encouraged journalists to make sure that their reports did not harm the underprivileged.

During his last journey to Delhi in September 1947, he paid a visit to the Jamia Millia, the late President Dr. Zakir Hussain's basic education institution. As he was stepping out of his car, two of his fingers were crushed in the door and began to bleed. The institution's administration promptly dispatched first aid supplies and medication. But Gandhiji smiled and informed them that all he needed was a glass of water and a piece of cloth. He dipped his injured fingers in the glass and bandaged them himself with the handkerchief. Thereafter, he went round the institution.

During his railway excursions, Gandhiji published editorials and articles for the Harijan. When he was travelling in his third-class compartment, he asked his typist to type an article. The train was moving quickly. The typist did his best, however there were numerous typos and several words jumped. Gandhiji advised the typist to take his time with his work. He instructed him to bring the typewriter, and he typed the document properly. He told the typist, laughing, "Well, you see, I also know typing." As a journalist, I learned everything needed to publish a paper."