On May 30, 1826, Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper, was published. (Image: Shutterstock)
Hindi Journalism Day, also known as Hindi Patrakarita Diwas, is held to commemorate the origin of Hindi journalism in India.
Journalism is the oldest profession practiced, and it is the most powerful tool for effecting significant social change. Every year on May 30, Hindi Journalism Day commemorates the founding of the country’s first Hindi newspaper. This day is significant for all the Hindi newspaper journalists in India. The newspaper played a vital role in creating awareness amongst the people and uniting them during India’s freedom struggle. The communication medium that was most popular at that time was the newspapers.
Hindi Journalism Day 2024: Why Is It Celebrated On May 30
The first Hindi-language newspaper, Udant Martand, was published in India on May 30, 1826, from Calcutta (now Kolkata). Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla published the weekly newspaper on Tuesdays alone and priced at Rs 2 annually. At the time, he had no idea what would emerge of his initiative.
During India’s freedom struggle, the publication was instrumental in raising public awareness. This newspaper was the most widely read media at the time.
The publication date, May 30, 1826, is known as Hindi Journalism Day or Hindi Patrakarita Diwas. However, due to increased mailing costs and a remote readership, Udant Martand was unable to be published for an extended length of time due to financial difficulties.
Hindi Journalism Day 2024: History and Significance
On May 30, 1826, Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper, was published. This day has since become recognised as a watershed moment in Hindi journalism history. Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla was the newspaper’s first editor. He was originally from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh and then moved to Calcutta, West Bengal.
Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla possessed extensive knowledge of Hindi, English, Sanskrit, and Persian languages. At the time, English, Persian and Bangla publications had a large readership, leaving no room for Hindi media.
Udant Martand began with a weekly print run of 500 copies. This was the first newspaper totally published in Hindi using the Devanagari script. At the time, many newspapers in Bengali and Urdu were the most widely read, with a very small proportion of the Calcutta readership reading Hindi.
Udant Martand employees spoke a combination of Khari Boli and Braj Bhasha Hindi dialects. Later, the newspaper failed owing to financial difficulties, but it sparked a new era of Hindi journalism in India.
Happy Hindi Journalism Day 2024: Wishes and Quotes
- Heart greetings to all Hindi journalists in the country on Hindi Patrakarita Diwas 2024.
- The success and failure of a powerful nation are determined by its journalism.
- Wishes to all the Hindi journalists on the occasion of Hindi Journalism Day 2024.
- Best wishes to all the journalist brothers and sisters on Hindi Journalism Day.
- May 30 is considered to be an important day for Hindi Journalism. We should respect and observe it the right way. Happy Hindi Journalism Day 2024.
