A literary award titled ‘Narendra Mohan Smriti Sahitya Samman’ will be organised in memory of former Editor-In-Chief of Dainik Jagran, Shri Narendra Mohan Ji. Every year, an original work from various genres of Hindi literature will be selected for this honour. This year, the award will be given for a book published in the year 2024.
Rs 5 Lakh Award For Original Writing In Hindi
A book will be selected by a respected jury. The chosen author will be awarded Rs 5 lakh as the prize amount. Authors, publishers, or institutions may submit entries for the award. The last date for submission is September 7.
Narendra Mohan Ji Served As Editor of Dainik Jagran For 37 Years
Shri Narendra Mohan Ji, former Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jagran, served as the Editor of the newspaper for 37 years, during which he established journalistic standards that continue to guide the newspaper to new heights of success.
Arrested During The Emergency
He trained a large number of editors and journalists during his tenure. When the Emergency was imposed in India, as an Editor, he published an editorial in Dainik Jagran on June 27, 1975, titled “New Democracy? Censorship Imposed. Stay Calm!” and left the editorial column blank. This was an act of resistance against the Emergency. He paid the price for it—on the night of June 28, 1975, he was arrested.
Deep Faith In India And Indian Culture
Narendra Mohan Ji had deep faith in India and the Indian culture, which was reflected in his popular column Vichar Pravah (Flow of Thoughts). As an editor, he had sharp insights into political, economic, and social issues. His creativity was also evident in his prose and poetry.
Served As A Member of Rajya Sabha
The veteran journalist authored several books on topics such as Indian culture, Hindutva, religion and communalism, contemporary politics, and corruption. In 1996, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament) as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and served until 2002.
In memory of such a learned, thoughtful, and visionary editor, this award is being launched under Dainik Jagran’s Hindi Hain Hum campaign.