Rising sun of Hindi media

In the bustling lanes of 19th-century Calcutta, amidst the clamour of horse-drawn carriages and the aroma of freshly brewed chai, a quiet revolution was taking shape. On May 30, 1826, a modest weekly publication titled Udant Martand—meaning ‘The Rising Sun’—made its debut, marking the dawn of Hindi journalism in India. The weekly paper, printed in the Devanagari script, was the brainchild of Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla, a visionary lawyer from Kanpur. At a time when English, Persian and Bengali dominated the print landscape, Shukla recognised the need for a publication that spoke directly to the Hindi-speaking populace. Operating from 37 Amartalla Lane in Kolkata’s Kolutolla area, he endeavoured to bridge the linguistic divide by publishing news in a language familiar to the masses. The inaugural issue saw a circulation of 500 copies, a testament to Shukla’s determination and the latent demand for Hindi news content. Udant Martand was more than just a newspaper; it was a cultural milestone. Employing a blend of Khari Boli and Braj Bhasha dialects, it catered to a diverse Hindi-speaking audience. Each Tuesday, readers would eagerly await its arrival, finding in its pages a reflection of their own lives and concerns. However, the path was fraught with challenges. The newspaper struggled to gain traction in regions beyond Bengal, far from the Hindi heartland, as it struggled to find subscribers. High postal rates, besides limited support from the colonial administration, made distribution in North India expensive. Shukla’s appeals for government subsidies and postal fee exemptions went largely unheeded, placing immense financial strain on the publication. Despite its cultural significance, Udant Martand ceased publication on December 4, 1827, after a brief, yet impactful run. In its final issue, Shukla poignantly wrote, “Today, the sun of news has set; the day ends.” Though short-lived, Udant Martand laid the foundation for Hindi journalism, inspiring future publications and contributing to the growth of Hindi as a language of mass communication. Its legacy, however, endures. Every year on May 30, India commemorates Hindi Journalism Day, honouring the pioneering spirit of Shukla and his groundbreaking endeavour. His commitment laid the foundation for the vibrant Hindi media landscape we witness today, with countless newspapers, television channels, and digital platforms serving millions across the nation. Udant Martand stands as a beacon of linguistic pride and journalistic integrity—a reminder that even the smallest voices can ignite a monumental change.

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