Independent, fearless, and impartial journalism is essential in a democracy –

             Dr. A.K. Rai

     The date of May 30th is inscribed in golden letters in the history of Hindi journalism because Hindi journalism began with the publication of the Hindi newspaper “Udant Martand” from Kolkata on May 30, 1826. Published by Pandit Yugal Kishore Shukla, a resident of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, “Udant Martand” was recognized as the country’s first Hindi newspaper. Journalism Day is celebrated every year on May 30th to commemorate the beginning of Hindi journalism.
During British rule, Hindi journalism played a commendable role in accelerating the Indian independence movement, awakening the people of the country, and connecting them with the masses. Hindi journalism openly supported nationalism, independence, and social reform by liberating the country from British slavery and giving voice to the aspirations and desires of the people. Journalism, which began with the aim of awakening the common people, was a difficult, arduous, and challenging task from the very beginning. Yet, by embracing every challenge, Hindi journalists played a leading role in the country’s freedom movement. Living in poverty, enduring torture, even jail time, they never wavered from their duty and remained dedicated to their work, continuing their path.

During the same period, Raja Rammohan Roy published the Bangadoot newspaper in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Persian in Kolkata in 1830. In a country grappling with the freedom movement, dozens of newspapers and magazines were published by renowned Hindi journalists. The activists who sought to liberate the country from the atrocities of the British rulers used newspapers as a medium to convey their message to the public. The British government became alarmed by the growing popularity and public awareness of newspapers, and they attempted to ban them by harassing journalists. Against the policies of the British government, Raja Raj Mohan Roy, Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Madan Mohan Malaviya, Purushottam Das Tandon, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, Pandit Kamalapati Tripathi, Bhartendu Harishchandra, Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, Pratap Narayan Mishra, Ambika Prasad Bajpai, Munshi Premchand, Sampurnanand, Rambriksh Benipuri, Mahadevi Verma, and hundreds of other social workers and writers awakened the spirit of patriotism among the people of the country through their writings. This awakened a new consciousness among the countrymen and they passionately set out to overthrow British rule. This forced the British to alter their working methods. Sensing the changing climate of the country, the British were ultimately forced to leave the country.
Journalism, which initially began as a mission, has now become a commercial one in the changing environment. With the expansion of media, the scope of journalism is becoming ever more widespread. As the fourth pillar of the nation, journalists are the guardians, guides, and independent thinkers of civilized society. A journalist’s job is to transcend narrow sentiments and, through unbiased and effective writing, express the true and clear views of the executive, judiciary, and legislature, as well as the public, so that the dignity of democracy is maintained.

   In fact, journalism no longer merely provides information but also serves to keep society aware, vigilant, and organized. Today, journalism is playing a leading role in presenting the problems of voices (such as those from rural India, tribal communities, women, and vulnerable sections) that were previously often suppressed.

Journalists are raising the voice of their pens, risking their lives while performing their duties with exemplary zeal. Heartiest greetings to all hardworking journalists on Hindi Journalism Day.

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