May 30, 1826, a radiant beacon emerged in the world of Indian media with the launch of Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper. Aptly named “The Rising Sun of News,” it symbolized the dawn of knowledge and enlightenment for Hindi-speaking communities. Founded by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla in Calcutta (now Kolkata), this pioneering publication marked a historic milestone, laying the foundation for Hindi journalism. Its legacy is celebrated annually on May 30 as Hindi Journalism Day, a tribute to its enduring impact and a call to uphold ethical reporting.
The Vision Behind the Name
The name Udant Martand carries profound significance. “Udant,” meaning “news” or “information,” and “Martand,” meaning “the sun,” together evoke the imagery of a radiant force illuminating minds. Launched in an era when Hindi speakers had no access to printed news, the newspaper aimed to bridge this gap, spreading knowledge like sunlight across the Hindi heartland.
A Historic Launch
Published every Tuesday starting May 30, 1826, Udant Martand was the brainchild of Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla, a lawyer from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. At the time, most newspapers in British India were in English, Persian, or regional languages like Bengali, leaving Hindi speakers underserved. Shukla’s bold vision was to create a platform that delivered news, government notices, and knowledge in Hindi. The inaugural issue featured a powerful editorial outlining its mission, alongside local Calcutta updates and administrative announcements, setting a precedent for accessible journalism.
Priced at 2 annas per issue (1/8 of a rupee) or ₹2 for an annual subscription, Udant Martand aimed to be affordable for the masses. However, its reach was hampered by significant challenges. Calcutta’s predominantly Bengali-speaking population limited its local readership, while the lack of postal concessions made distribution to Hindi-speaking regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar difficult. High printing and distribution costs, coupled with no financial support from the British government, strained the newspaper’s operations. Despite its innovative spirit, these hurdles forced Udant Martand to cease publication in December 1827 after just 79 issues.
The Legacy of Hindi Journalism Day
The launch date of Udant Martand is commemorated as Hindi Journalism Day, a celebration of Hindi journalism’s transformative role in India. This day honors the newspaper’s pioneering efforts and inspires journalists to uphold ethical, independent, and impactful reporting. It fosters a deeper connection between language, media, and society, emphasizing Hindi’s role in empowering communities through newspapers, television, radio, and digital platforms.
The Power of Hindi Journalism
As India’s most widely spoken language, Hindi is a vital tool for informing and uniting communities. From its humble beginnings with Udant Martand, Hindi journalism has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem, ensuring millions stay connected to local and global events. It amplifies voices, shapes public discourse, and drives social change.
A Call to the Future
Hindi Journalism Day is not just a nod to history but a rallying cry for the future. It urges journalists and readers to champion truthful, public-focused journalism that shapes a better society. Udant Martand’s brief yet brilliant run reminds us that even small beginnings can ignite lasting change, illuminating the path for Hindi journalism’s vibrant future.