# Indian Opinion explained — The Story of My Experiments with Truth

> Chapter companion for The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mahatma Gandhi.

## What happens

Gandhi describes the founding and early years of the journal 'Indian Opinion' in 1904, his role as its de facto editor, the financial sacrifices he made to sustain it, and how the paper became a vital tool for the satyagraha campaign, a mirror of his life, and a training in self-restraint and journalistic responsibility.

## Themes in this chapter

### Service and Community Leadership

Gandhi saw the sole aim of journalism as service, using Indian Opinion to serve the community and lead the satyagraha campaign.

### Self-Discipline and Simplicity

The journal became a training in self-restraint for Gandhi, and he insisted on internal control of the pen to avoid destruction.

### Truth and Self-Experimentation

Indian Opinion was a mirror of Gandhi's life; he wrote without exaggeration or thoughtless words, aiming for truth.

## Character check-ins

### Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

De facto editor and financial backer of Indian Opinion; poured his soul into its columns and used it to expound satyagraha.

### Mansukhlal Naazar

First editor of Indian Opinion, but deferred to Gandhi on editorial matters regarding South African problems.

### Sjt. Madanjit

Proposed starting Indian Opinion and sought Gandhi's advice; already had a press.

### Mr. Ritch

Left his commercial firm to become articled under Gandhi, lightening his burden.

## Key lines

> I cannot recall a word in those articles set down without thought or deliberation, or a word of conscious exaggeration, or anything merely to please.

Gandhi asserts that every article he wrote for Indian Opinion was carefully considered, truthful, and never intended to flatter.

_Reflects his commitment to truth and self-discipline in journalism._

> The newspaper press is a great power, but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countrysides and devastates crops, even so an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy.

Gandhi compares the press to a powerful flood that can cause destruction if not controlled, emphasizing the need for internal restraint.

_Highlights his philosophy of self-restraint and responsibility in journalism._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters/part-iv-xiii-indian-opinion
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_story_of_my_experiments_with_truth_se/chapters