In a rural government school in Rajasthan, students are stepping beyond textbooks to learn journalism by running newspapers of their own.

The PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School in Raholi, Tonk district, has launched two student-led publications — ‘Raholi Shiksha Samachar’ in Hindi and ‘Raholi Education Times’ in English. Available in both print and digital formats, the newspapers give students an opportunity to experience the workings of a newsroom while developing communication, creativity and leadership skills.

Students from Classes 10 to 12 are involved in almost every stage of newspaper production, from reporting and photography to writing, editing, graphic designing and page layout.

Students Take Charge of the Newsroom

According to Principal Dr Yogendra Singh Naruka, students work as reporters, photographers, videographers, interviewers, writers and designers.

The newspapers cover activities and developments within the school, including academic events, cultural programmes, sports activities, social initiatives and environmental programmes.

An editorial board has also been created to oversee the publication process and maintain content quality. The board includes the principal, teacher Pooja Patidar and selected students.

While students are given responsibility for different newsroom roles, teachers provide mentorship and guidance throughout the process.

Why Did the Rajasthan School Start a Newspaper?

Dr Naruka, who has a background in journalism, said the idea emerged after he noticed that many students in the rural area had limited or no access to newspapers.

He also observed that achievements by students and the school often failed to receive attention from mainstream media.

According to the principal, whenever a student's achievement was reported in a newspaper, it generated considerable excitement among classmates. Students would read and share the report, creating greater interest in news and current affairs.

This experience eventually led to the idea of creating a newspaper dedicated to the school and its students.

From Development Plan to School Newspaper

The initiative began with the publication of a book based on the school's three-year development plan during the 2022 academic session.

Following the response to the book, the first edition of ‘Raholi Shiksha Samachar’ was launched in 2023. The initial publication was funded personally by the principal.

Teachers later began contributing voluntarily to support printing and distribution, allowing the initiative to continue without dedicated government funding.

The newspaper is now published periodically — monthly, quarterly or around special occasions — depending on available resources.

Printed copies are distributed to students free of cost.

Learning Journalism Through Real Experience

The initiative has transformed the newspaper into more than just a school publication. It functions as a practical learning platform where students experience the responsibilities associated with journalism.

By conducting interviews, gathering information, writing reports, taking photographs and designing pages, students develop skills that extend beyond conventional classroom learning.

Reading about their own achievements and school activities also gives students a greater sense of recognition and pride.

The Raholi initiative demonstrates how experiential learning can introduce students to communication and media skills even in rural government schools, while giving them opportunities to develop creativity, teamwork, leadership and confidence.