THE ROLE OF ANNIE BESANT THROUGH New India IN THE INDIAN NATIONAL MOVEMENT

The role of both English and vernacular press was commendable particularly in disseminating information on freedom struggle to the people, educating them on the political developments, initiating debates and discussions on political issues, mobilizing the masses for the cause of independence etc., Annie Besant tried to create a suitable atmosphere for Indians to gain some rights from England by moulding public opinion through several media. After having made a case for India in England she returned to India in the year 1914 to find herself the editor of a daily newspaper New India. The strong protest emerged from various quarters for the internment of Besant, the editor of New India could speak volumes about its work for the freedom and the influence of the paper on the people particularly the educated elites and the youth.