The modern world is much smaller than what it originally was, largely due to the development of communication systems and skills. Newspapers form the major means of vehicle of these communication systems which have helped the society change for better over the years. A news paper is any printed periodical or work containing public news or comments on public news. Each news paper tries to win the heart and loyalty of its readers through news and views, articles pictures, poems, cartoons, editorials, and news items. It censures the corrupt and the erring, airs public grievances and reflects public opinion through letters to the press. So life without newspapers would become a void, a meaningless charade without direction or purpose.
In India newspapers have a vital role to play and an important duty to perform both as voice of the people and as builder of public opinion. In this sense, it is the ‘people’s university’— book, pulpit, platform, forum, theatre and counselor, all in one. There is no interest— literary, social, political, economic, commercial, scientific technological, cultural religious and so on and so forth-which is not covered by the news papers.
The news papers in India also perform their role as guardians of the public interest, watch-dogs and a source of all kinds of information. They are not state controlled, they enjoy freedom of expression. Of course they function within bounds of law. But they keep a powerful check on the misdeeds, the tyranny and the corrupt practices of the government.
Again, the people of the rapidly changing Indian society actively participate and bring about changes in society and thereby in their life styles by responding to the events in proper time. This is largely attributable to the credit of media especially the newspapers since they are effective, economically viable and readily available to the large section of people. The newspapers have always played a significant role in arousing the awareness among the people in time of crises and calamities.
However, some newspapers encourage rumours, go on wild goose chase and harp on ‘investigative journalism’. Again most of our leading newspapers are owned or dominated by big Industrial houses, capitalists and political persons. As a result, the interests of the general public are often sacrificed and the newspapers highlight the interests of their owners.
But in spite of all these, the newspapers have been playing vital and praise worthy roles in India. The present day newspapers educate the readers in almost in all fields- science, engineering, Technology, medicine, economy, business, sports etc. They also act as intermediaries for social activities like matrimonial, personal advertisements. They provide students information about higher studies in various institutions and centres. They mention the details about job opportunities all over India and abroad.
So, a life without newspapers is a life frightfully unimaginable and incredibly hard; indeed a dull, drab, enervating and colourless drag.