Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav Raipur: In the program organized on completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism in Raipur, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai praised the role of journalists, calling them strong pillars of democracy. He highlighted in detail the journalism tradition of Chhattisgarh and the contribution of media in the freedom struggle.
Raipur: ‘Journalists are true fighters of democracy, who work tirelessly even in difficult circumstances to deliver information to the masses and play an important role in giving the right direction to the society. Positive criticism of the media not only provides direction to the individual but also to the administration and government for introspection and better work. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai said these things while addressing the Journalism Gaurav Martand Utsav organized at Sunder Sadan of Ram Mandir complex located on VIP Road of the capital Raipur on Saturday. This event was organized on the occasion of completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism.
Raipur Press Club and appreciation of the event
Chief Minister Sai said that such a wonderful event based on the glorious tradition of journalism in Chhattisgarh, the land of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, is definitely laudable. Congratulating Raipur Press Club for the event, he said that Raipur Press Club is one of the old and prestigious press clubs of the country, whose history has been rich and inspiring. He said that such programs organized in honor of journalism and journalists are a strong proof of the commitment and sensitivity of the Press Club.
Mention of journalism tradition of Raipur
Referring to the journalism tradition of Raipur, the Chief Minister said that this city has given many top men to the world of journalism. Recalling many eminent editors and journalists including Madhukar Kher, Mayaram Surjan, Lalit Surjan, Ramesh Nayyar and Baban Prasad Mishra, he said that these personalities have enriched the strong and ideological tradition of journalism.
History of media and democracy
CM Vishnudev Sai said that media is the cornerstone of democracy and journalism has always played a transformative role, from the country’s freedom movement to the eradication of social evils. He said that the country’s first Hindi newspaper Udant Martand, published by Shri Jugal Kishore Shukla from Kolkata on May 30, 1826, laid the strong foundation of Indian journalism. This glorious journey of two hundred years of Hindi journalism is a matter of pride for the countrymen.
Sanatan tradition and journalism
Referring to the Indian Sanatan tradition, he said that Devarshi Narad is considered to be the original journalist and that is why journalist brothers celebrate Narad Jayanti with respect. He said that it is a very interesting and inspiring fact that the publication of Udanta Martand also started on the day of Narada Jayanti, which is a symbol of the fact that the roots of Indian journalism are deeply connected with our cultural consciousness and eternal values. He said that Indian journalism has played a historical role in giving voice to nationalist consciousness.
Freedom struggle and role of journalism
CM said that many freedom fighters including Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madhavrao Sapre and Subhash Chandra Bose used journalism as a medium of social awakening and national consciousness. He said that whenever the glorious history of Indian journalism will be written, the name of Chhattisgarh will be recorded in golden letters. Making special mention of Madhavrao Sapre, son of Mother India, he said that he made an important contribution in awakening and organizing people during the freedom movement by editing Chhattisgarh Mitra from Chhattisgarh.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee and journalism
Chief Minister Sai said that whenever journalism is discussed, Bharat Ratna former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee will naturally be remembered. He said that Atal ji awakened the spark of nationalism and national consciousness through his journalism, which inspired millions of people in independent India. Publications like Swadesh and Rashtradharma played an important role in spreading national consciousness and national identity to the masses.
Central and State schemes and role of media
CM said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has worked to implement Modi’s guarantees and the role of media has been very important in taking many public welfare schemes of the state to the people. Specially mentioning the eradication of Naxalism, he said that due to the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, indomitable courage of security forces and public participation as well as the important role of journalists, the environment of peace and development in the state has been strengthened.
Change and development in Bastar
The Chief Minister said that journalists have played a big role in inspiring people who have gone on the path of violence and deviation towards peace, development and mainstream. He said that today when the media brings out the news of positive changes, development, tourism, natural beauty and growing possibilities in Bastar, then a new identity of Chhattisgarh is created in the country and the world. Bastar, which was once known for the news of guns and violence, is today emerging as a center of tourism, nature and new possibilities of development.
Finance Minister’s address
Addressing the program, Finance Minister OP Chaudhary said that the journey of 200 years of Hindi journalism has been extremely glorious. He said that when Udant Martand was started in 1826, the country was going through a difficult phase of British rule. At such a time, journalism not only exposed darkness but also showed the direction of light to the society. He said that the basic religion of journalism is to provide right direction to the society and nation.
Statement of senior journalist
The main speaker of the program was senior journalist and director of India Habitat Centre, Dr. K.G. Suresh said that from the freedom movement to independent India, journalism has kept national religion and national interest paramount. He said that Hindi journalism has evolved itself with the changing technologies with time, but the growing influence of social media and the concept of citizen journalism has also created many new challenges. He said that it is the need of the hour to keep journalism research-based, factual and evidence-based, so that the credibility and social role of journalism can be further strengthened.
honor and release
On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai honored distinguished people who have made significant contributions in the field of journalism by giving them Lifetime Achievement Awards. He also released the special issue of Navpradesh published on the occasion of completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism, the journalist directory of Raipur Press Club and Shri Dinesh Yadu’s book ‘Main Agahan Hoon’. Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Pankaj Jha, Chief Minister’s Advisor Krishna Das, MLA Purandar Mishra, Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Chairman Sanjay Srivastava, CSIDC Chairman Rajiv Aggarwal, State Child Protection Commission Chairman Varnika Sharma, Ram Mandir Trust Vice Chairman Shri Sunil Ramdas, Raipur Press Club President Mohan Tiwari, Press Club officials, distinguished citizens and a large number of general public were present in the program.