DH, My favourite Paper. Review on Deccan Herald

The Deccan Herald, published from the Garden City Bangalore, is a very popular newspaper. Although a regional newspaper, it has acquired all the characteristics of a national newspaper, and has become one by its own right. My association with Deccan Herald dates back to 1960, when I was working for the Government of India at Mysore. The association became more intimate when in 1982, I had attended a National Seminar on Rural Press, for which there was a Paper from me. The proprietors of Deccan Herald were the co-sponsors of the Seminar. I used to call the newspaper as the Deccan Herald of the Kumars. The eldest brother in the family, Hari Kumar asked me to write regularly for DH. I considered it an honour. The first article of mine to be published in DH was titled Akshara Sena, in which I had written all about the innovative literacy Programme called Akshara Sena, launched by the then Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde. My second article was titled ‘The Role of Vidyapeeths in promoting the Literacy and Adult Education Programme.’ The Vidyapeeths in Karnataka are modeled on the lines of the Folk High Schools of Denmark. I was very closely associated with the Nanjangoud Vidyapeeth. I was also familiar with the programmes of the Vidyapeeth at Mandya.

The Deccan Herald has a formidable competitor in The Hindu. The Times of India and The Indian Express, published from Bangalore are its competitors. Even then, it is unique in many respects. Its features are very interesting, particularly, on education, thanks to the brilliant Features Editor. The Hindu’s Open Page tries to give articles and features on Education, but nothing like those published in Deccan Herald. Its Science features are equally interesting.

Some of my former students from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi, are now occupying middle level positions in DH. All said and done, it is one of my favourite papers. I should remember the request of my friend Hari Kumar and write regularly for DH.