Role of Media in the Development of Indian Nationalism: An Informative Analysis/ ভারতীয় জাতীয়তাবাদের বিকাশে গণমাধ্যমের ভূমিকা : একটি তথ্যমূলক বিশ্লেষণ

Abstract

Indian nationalism and the media is an important relationship that affects every level of society. The media illuminates various aspects of Indian nationalism and spreads nationalism within the society. The concept of media and nationalism is not new in India, it has deep roots in history and civilization. The history of newspapers or journalism in India dates back to ancient times. Evidence of this can be found by analyzing the history of India’s oldest books - the Vedas, Puranas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, etc.

The modern concept of Indian media developed during the British rule and the media played a significant role in awakening the feeling of nationalism among the countrymen during the independence movement.

         The rise of regional newspapers in India in the 19th century played a significant role in shaping public opinion, organizing political movements and propagating nationalism. As a result, the Indian National Congress was founded in December 1885, which was the first organized expression of Indian nationalism at the all-India level.

         The media played a significant role in strengthening nationalism in post-independence India. Article 19 of the Indian Constitution provides for freedom of speech and expression, under which freedom of the press is enshrined. As the fourth pillar of Indian democracy, the media has been providing news independently on the internal peace and order or crisis of the country, war or friendly relations with any other country and the spread of nationalism.

         Nowadays, since the rise of social media, the entire media system has changed. Today, social media has become the most powerful platform for shaping and organizing public opinion. Nowadays, nationalism has become the most controversial topic on social media. Additionally, nationalist sentiments are expressed through social media regarding the successes and failures of various events organized within the country and in the field of Indian foreign policy.