Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12 – Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development

Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12 Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development is an important prose lesson from Rainbow Part 1. The chapter is based on a speech delivered by K. R. Narayanan, the tenth President of India, on the occasion of the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Indian Newspaper Society.

The lesson explains the importance of newspapers and the press in the development of society and the nation. It discusses the historical role of the Indian press, its contribution to the freedom movement, the spread of knowledge and the way newspapers have become an essential part of everyday life.

The chapter also raises important questions about the changing nature of newspapers, competition from electronic media, commercialisation and the tendency of some newspapers to give greater importance to less significant news merely to attract readers.

Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12 – Overview

Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development – Summary

The lesson Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development is based on a speech by K. R. Narayanan. He delivered the speech at the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Indian Newspaper Society. In his speech, he discusses the remarkable contribution of newspapers and the Indian press to society and the development of the country.

Narayanan begins by referring to the history of the Indian Newspaper Society. The organisation came into existence during a period when the Second World War had created a shortage of newsprint. Despite difficult circumstances, the organisation developed into an important institution associated with the newspaper industry and the freedom of the press.

The speaker highlights the long and distinguished history of the Indian press. Newspapers did not merely provide information to their readers. They also played an important role in awakening social and political consciousness among Indians.

The lesson refers to Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who is regarded as the father of the Indian Renaissance. He used journalism as an instrument for social reform and intellectual awakening. His contribution shows how newspapers and the press can become powerful tools for transforming society.

Narayanan describes the press as a vehicle of intelligence. The expression means that newspapers carry information, knowledge and ideas from one person or place to another. In this way, the press helps people become informed and encourages the exchange of ideas.

The printing press is presented as one of the greatest inventions of the last two millennia. The ability to print and distribute information on a large scale transformed human communication. Newspapers developed from this technological revolution and became an important means of informing the public.

The speaker then compares the newspaper situation in India with that of the United States. In some large metropolitan newspapers in America, circulation had shown a declining tendency. India, however, experienced an explosion of newspapers and periodicals.

This difference is explained partly through the special historical role of newspapers in India. The Indian press played an important role during the freedom struggle and continued to contribute to the development of the country after independence.

Newspapers have become an essential part of everyday life. For many people, beginning the day without reading a newspaper feels incomplete. Newspapers provide information about national and international events, politics, business, science, sports, culture, education and social activities.

However, Narayanan also expresses concern about certain tendencies in modern journalism. In the competition for readers and circulation, newspapers may sometimes give excessive attention to less important stories while neglecting matters of greater public significance.

Such a tendency needs to be resisted because the primary responsibility of the press is to inform society responsibly. Journalism should not sacrifice public interest merely for commercial success.

The lesson therefore presents newspapers as both a source of information and an important institution of democracy. A responsible press can educate citizens, preserve culture, encourage public discussion and contribute to national development.

Central Idea of Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development

The central idea of the chapter is that newspapers have played an exceptional role in the social, political and intellectual development of India.

The press has helped spread knowledge, create public awareness, support social reform and contribute to the freedom movement. Even in the modern age of electronic media, newspapers continue to have an important place in public life.

At the same time, the chapter reminds journalists and newspaper organisations that they have a responsibility towards society. Commercial competition should not cause important issues to be ignored or trivial matters to receive disproportionate attention.

Role of the Press as a Vehicle of Intelligence

Narayanan describes the press as a vehicle of intelligence because it transports information and ideas to a large number of people. A newspaper connects readers with events happening in distant places.

The press also spreads knowledge and helps people form opinions. Through editorials, reports and articles, newspapers can encourage discussion on important social and national issues.

Thus, the press does more than simply report events. It can cultivate awareness, knowledge, judgement and public consciousness.

Role of Newspapers in India’s Freedom Movement

Newspapers played a significant role during India’s freedom movement. They helped communicate political ideas, social reform messages and nationalist thinking to people across the country.

At a time when other forms of mass communication were limited, newspapers provided an important platform for expressing public opinion. Writers and editors used journalism to challenge injustice, encourage political awareness and support the struggle for independence.

Therefore, the history of Indian newspapers is closely connected with the history of India’s social and political awakening.

Raja Ram Mohan Roy and Indian Journalism

Raja Ram Mohan Roy is referred to in the lesson as the father of the Indian Renaissance. He was a social reformer and intellectual who understood the power of the press.

Through journalism and public discussion, he supported social reform and intellectual development. His contribution demonstrates how the press can be used not only for reporting information but also for encouraging progressive changes in society.

Indian Newspapers and American Newspapers

The chapter points out an interesting difference between India and the United States. While some large metropolitan newspapers in America experienced declining circulation, India witnessed a significant growth in newspapers and periodicals.

Newspapers as Part and Parcel of Life

Newspapers have become a regular part of daily life. Many people begin their morning by reading a newspaper along with tea or breakfast. This habit shows how deeply newspapers have become integrated into everyday routines.

A newspaper provides information about a wide range of subjects. Readers can learn about politics, business, science, health, education, sports, culture, arts and international events from a single publication.

The newspaper therefore acts as a daily source of information and keeps citizens connected with the world around them.

Commercialisation of Newspapers

The chapter also draws attention to the problem of commercialisation. Newspapers need financial resources to operate, and advertising is an important source of revenue. However, excessive commercial pressure can affect editorial priorities.

If newspapers give excessive importance to sensational or trivial stories simply to increase circulation, the quality of journalism may suffer. A responsible newspaper should maintain a balance between attracting readers and fulfilling its social responsibility.

Threat from Electronic Media

Print media faces competition from electronic media and other modern sources of information. Television, radio, websites, mobile applications and social media can deliver news much faster than traditional newspapers.

However, this does not make newspapers irrelevant. Newspapers can provide detailed reports, analysis, editorials and organised coverage of important issues. Their role can continue to evolve according to changing technology and reader preferences.

B.1 – Answer the Following Questions Briefly

Question 1. Who is delivering the speech and in what mood? What is the occasion?

Answer: The speech is delivered by K. R. Narayanan, the tenth President of India. He delivers it in a happy and celebratory mood. The occasion is the Diamond Jubilee celebration of the Indian Newspaper Society.

Question 2. How did the Indian Newspaper Society come into existence?

Answer: The Indian Newspaper Society came into existence during the period of the Second World War when there was a shortage of newsprint. It later developed into an important organisation representing the interests of the newspaper industry and supporting freedom of the press.

Question 3. Who is called the father of Indian Renaissance? Why?

Answer: Raja Ram Mohan Roy is called the father of the Indian Renaissance. He played an important role in social reform, intellectual awakening and the development of modern thought in India. He also recognised the importance of journalism in spreading ideas and reforming society.

Question 4. What does Narayanan mean by the expression “vehicle of intelligence”?

Answer: By “vehicle of intelligence”, Narayanan means that the press carries information, knowledge and ideas from one person or place to another. It helps spread awareness and wisdom among people.

Question 5. Why did Narayanan visit Khajuraho?

Answer: Narayanan visited Khajuraho to inaugurate the Khajuraho Festival, which celebrates India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.

Question 6. What does Narayanan mean by “an irresistible tendency”?

Answer: He refers to the tendency of newspapers to give greater importance to less significant or sensational news while sometimes ignoring more important matters. He believes that this tendency should be resisted because it can weaken the quality and responsibility of journalism.

Question 7. Why have newspapers become part and parcel of our life?

Answer: Newspapers have become part and parcel of our life because they provide daily information about national and international events, politics, business, science, sports, culture, health and many other subjects. For many people, reading the newspaper has become a regular part of the morning routine.

B.2 – Answer the Following Questions Briefly

Question 1. What has been one of the greatest inventions of the last two millennia?

Answer: The printing press is regarded in the lesson as one of the greatest inventions of the last two millennia because it made the large-scale production and distribution of written information possible.

Question 2. In what ways is the response of Indian people towards print media different from American people?

Answer: In some metropolitan areas of America, newspaper circulation showed a declining tendency. In India, however, there has been a remarkable growth of newspapers and periodicals. The historical role of Indian newspapers in the freedom movement and national development has contributed to their continuing importance.

Question 3. What role has the Indian press played in national development?

Answer: The Indian press has spread knowledge, created public awareness, supported social reform, contributed to the freedom movement and helped citizens remain informed about national and international affairs.

Question 4. What is the importance of newspapers in modern life?

Answer: Newspapers provide regular information about politics, business, education, science, health, sports, culture, arts and social issues. They also help readers develop opinions and understand important events.

Question 5. Why should the press resist the tendency to trivialise important matters?

Answer: The press has a responsibility to inform the public about matters of genuine importance. Giving excessive attention to trivial or sensational stories can mislead readers and weaken the social responsibility of journalism.

C.1 – Long Answer Questions

Question 1. In what way is the Press “the vehicle of intelligence”?

Answer: The press is called the “vehicle of intelligence” because it carries information, knowledge and ideas from one place and person to another. A newspaper can communicate an event occurring in one part of the country to readers living thousands of kilometres away.

The press also helps people understand social, political, economic and cultural issues. Reports provide facts, while editorials and analytical articles encourage readers to think about those facts.

In this way, newspapers do not merely transport news. They contribute to the development of public knowledge and awareness. A responsible press can therefore cultivate intelligence, wisdom and informed public opinion.

Question 2. Describe the importance of newspapers in our life according to Narayanan.

Answer: According to Narayanan, newspapers have become an essential part of modern life. People depend on them for information about events happening in their own country and around the world.

Newspapers provide information on politics, science, health, business, education, sports, culture and social activities. They also preserve information and create a record of important events.

The importance of newspapers is particularly significant in India because the Indian press has played an exceptional role in the freedom movement and national development. Newspapers have therefore become more than simple sources of news; they are important institutions of public life.

Question 3. Discuss the role of newspapers in the development of India.

Answer: Newspapers have played an important role in India’s development by spreading knowledge and creating public awareness. During the freedom movement, newspapers helped communicate nationalist ideas and social reform messages.

After independence, newspapers continued to inform citizens about national policies, social issues, economic development and cultural activities. They provide a platform for public discussion and help people understand events that affect their lives.

Newspapers also contribute to education by publishing articles on science, health, technology, literature and other subjects. Their role in development is therefore social, educational, political and cultural.

Question 4. What hope does K. R. Narayanan express for the future of the Indian Newspaper Society?

Answer: K. R. Narayanan expresses the hope that the Indian Newspaper Society will continue to achieve greater success and glory in the future. He recognises its important historical contribution and wishes that it will continue to support the development of the newspaper industry and the freedom and responsibility of the press.

His message is essentially one of appreciation and good wishes. He expects the institution to continue contributing positively to Indian journalism.

Question 5. Discuss the distinctive features of Indian newspapers.

Answer: Indian newspapers have a distinctive historical and social importance. They played a major role during India’s freedom struggle and later became an important part of democratic public life.

They provide information on national and international affairs and cover subjects ranging from politics and business to science, health, education, culture and sports. Their wide circulation has made newspapers an important means of connecting people with events and ideas.

At the same time, newspapers face challenges from electronic media and commercial pressures. They must therefore maintain journalistic standards while adapting to changing technology and reader expectations.

C.2 – Group Discussion

Question 1. Discuss the relevance of newspapers in the 21st century.

Answer: Newspapers remain relevant in the 21st century because they provide organised and detailed information about important events. Although digital platforms deliver breaking news more quickly, newspapers can provide background, analysis, editorials and detailed reports.

Newspapers also offer a structured record of events. Their continued relevance will depend on their ability to maintain credibility, provide accurate information and adapt to digital technology.

Question 2. Discuss growing commercialism in newspapers.

Answer: Commercialism has become an important challenge for modern newspapers. Newspapers need advertising and revenue to survive, but excessive commercial pressure can influence editorial decisions.

If sensational stories are given priority simply to attract readers, important public-interest issues may receive less attention. Newspapers should therefore maintain a balance between commercial sustainability and journalistic responsibility.

C.3 – Composition: Role of Media

Role of Media

Answer: Media plays an important role in modern society. It informs people about events happening around them and in different parts of the world. Newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites and digital platforms are all important forms of media.

Print media provides detailed reports, editorials, articles and analysis. It also covers subjects such as politics, education, science, health, business, sports and culture. Electronic and digital media, on the other hand, can deliver information very quickly and reach a large audience.

There is strong competition between print and electronic media. To remain relevant, newspapers have adopted websites, mobile applications and digital editions. However, speed should not come at the cost of accuracy.

The media has a responsibility to provide truthful and balanced information. It should avoid spreading rumours, sensationalising trivial matters or allowing commercial interests to dominate public-interest journalism. A responsible media can strengthen democracy, educate citizens and contribute significantly to national development.

D.1 – Dictionary Use and Word Study

The chapter contains several important words and expressions that students should understand and use correctly. Learning these words helps in both examination writing and everyday English.

Important Word Meanings – Chapter 12

Important Phrases from Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development

Project Work – Newspapers During the Indian Independence Movement

Answer: Newspapers played a major role during India’s independence movement. They were used to spread political awareness, discuss social reforms and communicate nationalist ideas. Editors and journalists often faced restrictions because the colonial government feared the influence of the press.

Several newspapers and journals became associated with the freedom struggle. Some important publications included Kesari, Young India, Harijan, The Hindu, Amrita Bazar Patrika, Bande Mataram, The Indian Opinion and Al-Hilal.

These newspapers were published in different languages and reached different sections of Indian society. Their contribution demonstrates the power of journalism in creating political awareness and supporting the movement for independence.

Important Questions from Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12

• Who delivered the speech in Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development?
• What was the occasion of the speech?
• How did the Indian Newspaper Society come into existence?
• Who is called the father of Indian Renaissance?
• Why is Raja Ram Mohan Roy called the father of Indian Renaissance?
• What is meant by “vehicle of intelligence”?
• What was one of the greatest inventions of the last two millennia?
• How is the response of Indian people towards print media different from that of American people?
• Why did K. R. Narayanan visit Khajuraho?
• What does “an irresistible tendency” mean in the lesson?
• Why should the tendency to trivialise important news be resisted?
• How have newspapers become part and parcel of our life?
• Describe the role of newspapers in India’s development.
• Why are newspapers called the vehicle of intelligence?
• Describe the importance of newspapers in modern life.
• What hope does Narayanan express for the future of the Indian Newspaper Society?
• Discuss the distinctive features of Indian newspapers.
• Discuss the relevance of newspapers in the 21st century.
• Discuss growing commercialism in newspapers.
• Write an article on the role of media.

Exam-Oriented Points – Chapter 12

How to Prepare Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12

1. Read the speech carefully and understand the main argument of the speaker.
2. Remember the occasion on which K. R. Narayanan delivered the speech.
3. Learn the role of the Indian Newspaper Society.
4. Understand why Raja Ram Mohan Roy is associated with the Indian Renaissance.
5. Prepare the meaning of “vehicle of intelligence”.
6. Understand the historical role of newspapers during India’s freedom movement.
7. Revise the comparison between Indian and American newspaper circulation discussed in the lesson.
8. Prepare the questions about commercialisation and trivialisation of news.
9. Learn the important vocabulary and phrases.
10. Practise the composition on the role of media.
11. Prepare the project work on newspapers during India’s independence movement.

Class 11 English Chapter 12 – FAQs

Important Links

Conclusion

Bihar Board Class 11 English Chapter 12 Exceptional Role of Newspapers in Development explains why newspapers continue to hold an important position in Indian society. K. R. Narayanan highlights the historical contribution of the Indian press, particularly its role in social awakening, the freedom movement and national development.

The chapter also reminds readers that journalism carries a social responsibility. Newspapers should provide reliable and meaningful information rather than giving excessive importance to trivial matters merely to increase circulation.

For examination preparation, students should pay special attention to the role of the press as a vehicle of intelligence, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, the importance of newspapers, the Indian Newspaper Society, the comparison between Indian and American newspapers, commercialisation of newspapers, and the role of media.