Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retired) delivered an inspiring vision for India's future during a significant event in Haridwar on Wednesday. He confidently stated that India will emerge as a strong, prosperous nation and a global leader when it completes 100 years of Independence in 2047.
Governor's Address at Hindi Journalism Bicentenary Celebrations
Speaking at the bicentenary celebrations of Hindi journalism organized by the Haridwar Press Club, Governor Singh emphasized the crucial role of media in this national transformation. He highlighted that the media must actively adapt to the ongoing digitization wave and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. Simultaneously, he stressed the importance of fostering cultural awakening and promoting social harmony across the nation.
The Vital Role of Hindi Journalism
The Governor praised Hindi journalism as the language of the masses, noting its unique power to give voice to the poor and marginalized sections of society. He asserted that Hindi journalism strengthens democracy whenever it shows signs of weakening, acting as a vital pillar of the nation's democratic framework.
Governor Singh urged all journalists to adopt a "nation first" approach in their work, prioritizing the country's interests above all else. Expressing his personal hopes for the region, he stated his desire to see Haridwar become as clean and well-managed as the revered Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar, setting a benchmark for urban excellence.
Historical Context and Future Programs
Dharmendra Chaudhari, President of the Haridwar Press Club, provided important context about the event. He revealed that this gathering marked the third programme in a five-part series leading up to May 30 next year. This date will be celebrated as Hindi Patrakarita Diwas, commemorating the moment when Hindi journalism completes 200 years of service to the nation.
Tracing the Journey of Hindi Journalism
Nirmal Pathak, Editor of PTI and the guest of honour at the event, delivered a comprehensive historical overview. He traced the remarkable journey of Hindi journalism back to its origins with the launch of Udant Martand by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla on May 30, 1826.
Pathak noted with historical perspective that this first Hindi newspaper unfortunately shut down within a year due to limited resources and readership challenges. However, he emphasized that this pioneering effort laid the essential foundation for a movement that continues to serve Indian society with dedication and purpose.
Evolution Through Different Eras
The PTI editor provided insightful analysis about Hindi journalism's evolution through different historical periods:
- During the British colonial era, Hindi journalism was widely seen as an act of satyagraha (non-violent resistance)
- After India gained Independence, it played a supportive role in the crucial nation-building process
- In contemporary times, it faces significant challenges amid growing commercial pressures and occasional conflicts with government authorities
This historical perspective highlighted both the resilience and the ongoing relevance of Hindi journalism in India's media landscape, demonstrating its ability to adapt while maintaining its core mission of serving the public interest.
