The habit of reading newspaper

Pratim Kalita (pratimk37@gmail.com)

The significance of a newspaper about the productive enhancement of socio-cultural, economical and diplomatic ambience of a country or a particular region is well known to all. Doubtlessly; elucidation of this fact would be a needless process. A newspaper contains all sorts of news and views of various sections of society such as current events, politics, sports, business etc. The act of reading a newspaper is emotionally connected with many people. The combination of a hot cup of tea early in the morning and the daily newspaper is incomparable. Without the paper, the readers look lifeless. Some special parts of a newspaper that reflects the very sensitive issues with amusing way, horoscope, editorial, crosswords and the last pages of sports world always have special significance.

The benefits of reading newspapers are enormous. Though the study says most of the readers read only the headlines, it helps them a lot to keep themselves well-informed. The most remarkable benefit is that it improves language skills and strengthens the stock of words. The reading newspaper also values stimulating brain functions. We cannot deny the fact that our mind is also a part of our body. One has to exercise it positively so that it would become more flexible and stronger. The habit of reading newspapers assists a lot to do so because it allows us to think more about the various views of public interest. The proven certitude is that the students who read a newspaper regularly can become good orators or debaters. It enhances the confidence of young writers too. That is why many schools encourage their students to read newspaper headlines during the regular Assembly prayers.

It is very throbbing to highlight the reality that the habit of reading the newspaper is at death's door. Digitalization could be one of the root causes of this threat. Almost all people have shaped the habit of using smartphones. Unquestionably; this is the demand for change. But most of the time we depend on electronic gadgets to get informed. Instead; we could read from reliable sources to do the same. The convenience of these gadgets is not simply avoidable. Increasing the use of easily functioning social media also stands as the hurdle to the popularity of newspapers. Now the e-versions of newspapers are also available. Even though the soft copies of the newspapers are available, people prefer to watch the visuals of the news instead of choosing to read. There was a time when people queued long to get the desired newspaper or bought it in black just to get the result of the examination. Now the news is very competitive. The culture of spreading fake news on social media is very common. The significance of newspapers is never comparable since exaggeration is less practised in this field. The news of a newspaper is always considered trustworthy. The agreeability of reading news with understated word structure is incontrovertibly beneficial for the readers. The fourth pillar of democracy never hesitates to stand with the people when it is necessary. Thus once the famous American playwright Arthur Miller said, "A good newspaper is a nation talking to itself."

The popularity of newspapers came into existence in the 17thcentury. Approbation goes to the Europeans for masterminding the concept of the modern newspaper. Early in the 16thcentury, newspaper publications started appearing in Germany. The first printed newspaper was published in Germany in 1609. But the freedom of publishing news was very limited since it was deliberately censored by the government. So, only foreign-related issues were published at that time. Before that, handwritten news sheets were circulated in Venice in the year 1566. The government officials of ancient Rome also had the culture of producing metal carved bulletins. These were known as Acta Diurnaand posted in public places. Ancient China also published handwritten bulletins for the court officials known as Dibao, Kaiyuan Zo Baoetc. In India, a Dutch adventurer named William Bolts desired to publish a newspaper in 1766 in erstwhile Calcutta. But he had been exiled by the East India Company before accomplishing his plan. Four years later in 1780 on 29th January, the journey of journalism started blossoming when James Agustus Hicky published the first Indian newspaper 'Hicky's Gazette' in Calcutta. However, it was heavily censored by the company. The pen was not mightier than the Company rule at that time.

Dr Nathan Brown, the pioneer of Assamese print media, published the first-ever Assamese monthly magazine 'Arunodoi' in the year 1846 from Sivasagar. Unfortunately after contributing impressive 36 years of support to the Assamese society and language this magazine was discontinued in 1882. Gradually many other magazines and newspapers contributed a lot to the treasury of Assamese print media, namely Asambilasini, Asam-Mihir, Asam Darpan, Jonaki, Bijuli, The Times of Assam etc.

The mechanization of newspapers in India was initiated after independence. Millions of people are connected with this noble profession. The person who brings the newspaper to our doorsteps is not less important than the person who collects news from various sources. The newspaper has to cross numerous steps before reaching our doorsteps. Collecting the news to print or present it interestingly needs tremendous efforts. We, the readers, just have to spend a few moments to keep ourselves well-informed. So, why should we let this chance go? Let us strengthen the habit of reading newspapers and encourage others to do the same. Parents should also take the initiative to build this good cultured habit among their children.