The news pages that shaped perspectives

Resource person Punitha Natarajan, handling a Newspaper In Education (NIE) session at Srirangam Boys Higher Secondary School in Tiruchi. File | Photo Credit: ASHOK R ‘The Hindu’ — perhaps the two most vivid words I remember from my childhood. Every morning, an English newspaper arrived at our doorstep, along with an Urdu paper that my father read. That English newspaper was The Hindu.As a young cricket enthusiast, I would turn straight to the back page. While my father read the front page, I would carefully cut out pictures of Gundappa Viswanath whenever they appeared, using a shaving blade. My father never objected. He simply allowed me to indulge in my passion.During my preparation for the civil services examination, before joining the IPS in 1991, I found The Hindu to be the most useful, analytical and informative newspaper for understanding events in India and around the world. I was particularly drawn to its incisive editorials, which helped me develop informed opinions. Needless to say, when I cleared the civil services examination in my first attempt at the age of 22, securing high marks in general studies, I gave much of the credit to The Hindu.I have always enjoyed the centre-page articles by eminent personalities, as well as the ‘This Day, That Year’ column that recalls events from 50 or 100 years ago. It brings back incidents from the freedom struggle and other important moments in history. The Hindu has a unique legacy and depth of archival knowledge that enable it to publish such pieces; no other newspaper or magazine can quite match it.During my years in the police service, I became accustomed to reading nearly 10 newspapers a day to keep abreast of current affairs, monitor articles concerning the department and remain aware of public discourse. Even today, I read The Hindu in considerable detail. Its in-depth analysis, comprehensive coverage and full-page articles on contemporary issues continue to appeal to me. Perhaps, psychologically, I also feel a sense of comfort because of our long association.On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of The Hindu’s Hyderabad edition, I commend the newspaper for being an integral part of the region’s growth and transformation. I hope it continues to play that role in the years ahead.I also extend my greetings to all the reporters with whom I have been associated, particularly since joining the police service. Many of them have risen through the ranks over the past 35 years, just as I have — from an ASP to the Director General of Police.C. V. Anand(The writer is Director General of Police, Telangana) Published - September 04, 2026 01:39 pm IST