Gandhi and peace journalism

Abstract

Journalism was the factor that transformed ordinary Gandhi into Mahatma Gandhi. He was not only a political leader, but he was also a journalist to the core. He was the edition of three English weeklies. Many facets of Mahatma Gandhi, one of the great personality and leaders ever have been brought out through his very honest writing. Gandhi showed the path of developing and strengthening the communication system in society by the media, the intelligentsia and the conscience-keepers of society. Gandhi was clear in his mind that war or peace would have its roots basically in the heart and head before they manifest outwardly. As for the word “PEACE” Gandhi used it in a normal sense as “mental peace” on one side and as “absence of conflicts and wars or warlike situation on the other. Going deep into the problem of conflicts and wars Gandhi realized that the individuals as individuals or as groups, should pay attention to their innercalling that benefit them to be human and humane. Gandhi’s journal carried articles on a variety of subjects written by him and others ranging from the spinning-wheel to the most important political problem of the day. Gandhi’s work in journalism had a strong influence not only on every newspaper in but also on the entire literary world of every language in India. Gandhi’s resistance campaign in South Africa was conceptualized, introduced and mobilized through the efficacy and eloquence of the press. The functional worth of his use of journalism as an instrument of protest and identity construction is well exhibited in the formation of homogenous reality for South African Indians and awakening and consolidating them to firmly stand for their rights. He said “Truth alone is God” and nothing else is. Gandhian Journalism has relevance even today and journalists in the media establishments must bear them in mind when they are working. He also said that courage of conviction and truth telling are the bedrock of the journalism profession.