The Hindu makes sensationalised headlines to grab the attention of its readers – complete with a denigrating picture of His Divine Holiness Paramahamsa Nithyananda. They play the cunning game of making the slanderous, eye-catching headlines, but remaining more or less neutral in the main content – knowing that most readers will skim through the headlines, enough to shift public opinion of Paramahamsa Nithyananda.
2 Feb 2011 – The Hindu, one of the most widely read newspapers with a daily circulation of more than 12 lakhs (1.2 million), twists and manipulates words to make headlines. They term the persecution against Paramahamsa Nithyananda as “playing the minority card”. A paper that is read by India’s elite, the most cultured in society, gets to read the false rubbish posted by this daily. When asked about why anyone would target him, Paramahamsa Nithyananda explained that he is the head of a minority religious group, which differs from mainstream Hinduism Sanatana Hindu Dharma (Hinduism) – which is a cause for persecution. However, this statement is portrayed as “playing the minority card” – where they are implying that the minority status is being exploited by Paramahamsa Nithyananda to excuse Himself from the allegations against Him.
Referring to the false morphed video as a “sleaze video” somehow implies that is it real. Once again, subtly shaping public opinion with the careful use of words can be seen in this article. The average reader will simply skim through the headlines and come to several conclusions about Paramahamsa Nithyananda, Hindu Gurus, and Hinduism itself by the end of it. This kind of cultural genocide is what is contributing to the actual ethnic cleansing of Hindus in our country today.
The Hindu has a circulation base of 1.2 million copies and is the second most circulated newspaper after Times of India, nationwide . In South India it is has the largest circulation base.