Every year on May 30, India observes Hindi Journalism Day — a day that honours the beginning of journalism in the Hindi language. The roots of this observance go back to 1826, when Udant Martand, the country’s first Hindi newspaper, was published in Kolkata by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla.
At that time, most newspapers were in English, Bengali, or Persian. Hindi speakers — especially in North and Central India — had no publication in their native language. Shukla, who originally hailed from Kanpur, recognised this gap and decided to act. Udant Martand, which means “The Rising Sun”, was published every Tuesday and aimed to bring the news of the day to the Hindi-speaking population.
Although the newspaper had to shut down after just 79 issues due to financial difficulties and limited reach, it left behind a legacy that still lives on.
The launch of Udant Martand was more than just a business decision. It was a cultural moment. By publishing news in Hindi, Shukla made the press accessible to a much wider section of society. For the first time, people who weren’t fluent in English could read, understand, and engage with news that mattered to them.
This single step laid the foundation for a powerful movement. Over time, Hindi newspapers grew in both number and influence, bringing important stories to households across the Hindi belt and beyond.
Language is not just a tool for communication — it’s a way of connecting with people emotionally and culturally. Hindi journalism brought news closer to people’s daily lives. It made current affairs, political developments, and social issues more understandable and relatable.
Even today, for many people in towns, villages, and semi-urban areas, Hindi remains the first and most trusted language for consuming news. It offers comfort, clarity, and context. Hindi journalism has helped create awareness about civic rights, elections, healthcare, education, and countless other topics over the decades.
From a single newspaper in 1826, Hindi journalism has grown into a powerful and diverse media ecosystem. Newspapers like Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Hindustan, and Rajasthan Patrika reach millions of readers every day. Their reach spans metros, small towns, and even rural areas.
The growth didn’t stop at print. The rise of television in the late 90s brought in a new era. Hindi news channels like Aaj Tak, ABP News, Zee News, and News18 India became widely popular for their accessibility and reach. With the digital revolution, this content is now available instantly on smartphones and social platforms.
Hindi news portals, YouTube channels, and mobile apps now serve a massive audience that prefers to stay informed in Hindi. This shift is especially important as more Indians from non-metro regions join the digital space every year.
Hindi Journalism Day is also a day to recognise the work done by journalists across the Hindi media. Reporters, editors, photographers, field correspondents, and many others contribute daily to ensure that news reaches the masses — often under tough conditions.
Many of these journalists work in remote areas or conflict zones. They cover issues that are sometimes ignored by mainstream outlets. From local governance stories to community-level issues, they bring attention to matters that directly affect the public.
Hindi journalism has also played a key role in shaping opinion during elections, bringing out investigative reports, and standing up for journalistic ethics, even when faced with challenges like pressure from political groups, limited resources, or misinformation.
Hindi Journalism Day is celebrated across India, particularly in media institutes, press clubs, and universities. Events like lectures, debates, award ceremonies, and panel discussions are organised to mark the occasion.
Students, journalists, and educators come together to talk about the evolution of Hindi media, the values of responsible reporting, and the future of news in Indian languages. These conversations help reinforce the importance of language journalism in a digital, globalised world.
The media landscape is changing fast. Today’s audience wants real-time updates, visual stories, and credible reporting. While the format of news may evolve, the need for strong, accessible journalism in Hindi will continue to grow.
With more regional voices joining the digital ecosystem, Hindi journalism is in a strong position to shape narratives that are rooted in local realities. The future lies in embracing technology while staying committed to the basic principles of journalism — truth, accountability, and public service.
Hindi Journalism Day reminds us of a simple yet powerful idea — that everyone deserves access to news in a language they understand. When Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla started Udant Martand, he did not have a large newsroom or a big budget. But he had a belief: that Hindi could be the language of news, change, and empowerment.
That belief still holds true today.
