The Paper Of Courage Continues To Roar At 55

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Jan 18 2003, 00:00 IST

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people seemed to agree. There was a cultural need for a new Marathi daily, reflecting the new hope, new dreams and new ideas. Loksatta instantly reflected all these conflicting moods and ideas. The very first issue, published on January 14, 1948, headlined ‘Mahatma’s Do or Die appeal’. Gandhiji had made the appeal because he appeared to be still concerned about the Hindu-Muslim relationship. He did not want the tension to deteriorate further.

Strangely, the Mahatma had a premonition of sorts. He said he would not mind sacrificing his life for the cause of peace, sanity and humanity. Exactly 16 days later, on January 30, Gandhiji was killed by a Hindu fanatic. India was spiritually orphaned.

Loksatta has steadfastly followed the example of the Mahatma. It believes in the Journalism of Courage. It has not cowed down before the establishment. It has not bent before the authorities nor crawled before the populist leaders. It has not lost its sanity even when frenzy ruled and the mobs ganged around the media. Loksatta believes not in abstract freedom of expression but in using it for fight against injustice, corruption and oppression. Loksatta believes that newspaper is a medium for strengthening democracy and secularism, national integration and unity in diversity. That is why it is also a platform for all the views. That is the spirit of Gandhiji and the vision of Nehru.

It is now 55 years since it was launched. This period was traumatic and yet there were inspiring moments. The day

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