• Dr.VENKATESHA

The developments across the world in Print Media, however came much later in 1780, when compared to developments across the world. Further, from the beginning of the 19th century, politically conscious Indians had been attracted to modem civil rights, especially the freedom of the Press.Sighting the Importance of Press, the struggle for the freedom of the Press became an integral part of the struggle for freedom.James Augustus Hickey is considered the father of Indian Press. He started the Bengal Gazette in the year 1780.

The Press was the chief instrument for carrying out this task, that is, for arousing, training, mobilizing and consolidating nationalist public opinion. In the period from 1870 to 1918, the national movement had not yet resorted to mass agitation through thousands of small and large Maidan meetings, nor did political work consist of the active mobilization of people in mass struggles. The main political task then, was that of politicization, political propaganda and education and formation and propagation of nationalist ideology. It was at these times, Press came into useful purpose. To accomplish the work of National Congress. During its inception, the Congress had no organization of its own for carrying on political work. Its resolutions and proceedings had to be propagated through newspapers. Gradually, the influence of the Press extended far beyond its literate subscribers. Nor was it confined to cities and large towns.

"Role of Press in Indian Freedom Movement", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no.604-608, November-2018, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1811d37.pdf

"Role of Press in Indian Freedom Movement", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.5, Issue 11, page no. pp604-608, November-2018, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1811d37.pdf