200 Years of Hindi Journalism

Mrinal Chatterjee

Window Seat

On 30 May 1826, a modest weekly titled ‘UdantMartand’ was launched from Calcutta under the editorship of Jugal Kishore Shukla. It was the first newspaper published in Hindi language.

Two hundred years later, Hindi journalism has grown into one of the world’s largest media networks, reflecting India’s democratic spirit, linguistic identity, and social transformation.

The early years of Hindi journalism were marked by financial hardship, limited technology, and small readerships. ‘UdantMartand’ survived for less than two years. But it marked the beginning and set the benchmark.

Newspapers subsequently became important instruments of public education and social awareness, and with time flag bearers of nationalism and front runners of the freedom movement. During India’s freedom movement, Hindi newspapers became vehicles of resistance against colonial rule. Despite censorship and imprisonment, journalists continued to spread ideas of swaraj and social reform inspired by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

After Independence, newspapers such as Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, and Amar Ujala expanded rapidly into towns and villages, bringing grassroots issues into public debate.

Today, digital platforms and television have transformed Hindi journalism once again. While challenges like misinformation and sensationalism persist, Hindi journalism continues to connect millions in their own language. Its future will depend on preserving credibility, ethical reporting, and the democratic values that inspired its pioneers two centuries ago

Neet Paper Leak

In India, it seems, examinations are no longer about answering questions. They are about answering one question: “Has the paper leaked yet?”

The recent NEET question paper leak has once again reminded us that the country’s most competitive exams now come with two syllabi. One is the official syllabus issued by the authorities. The other is the underground syllabus involving Telegram groups, mysterious coaching centres, WhatsApp forwards, and an uncle who “knows someone”.

Students prepare for years, sacrificing sleep, adolescence, and occasionally sanity. Parents mortgage land, jewellery, and emotional stability. Coaching institutes promise sucess with the confidence of astrologers predicting rain in monsoon. And then, two days before the exam, rumours begin floating around like pre-election opinion polls: “Paper aa gayahai.”

Question paper leaks have become so common that perhaps they deserve institutional recognition. We already have entrance exams; maybe we now need “pre-entrance leaks.” Soon coaching centres may advertise Platinum Leak Packages: “Guaranteed biology section leak with complimentary physics hints.”

The most remarkable thing, however, is the official response every single time. Authorities express “deep concern,” committees are formed, inquiries are launched, and dire consequences for the culprit- if caught announced. Eventually, in some cases someone low in the hierarchy is arrested while the larger ecosystem remains untouched, waiting patiently for the next exam season.

Perhaps the only truly secure question paper in India is the one set for ethics examinations. Nobody seems interested in leaking that.

Ban on Music

Music is widely described as a universal language because it transcends cultural and linguistic barriers, enabling emotional connection through rhythm and melody. It exists in every culture, often serving to express emotions—like joy or grief—that words cannot. Music thus unites people, bonds them.

Politics often is divisive.

Here is an example: As of May 2026, Indian film songs remain officially banned on Pakistani FM radio stations. Following an escalation in tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) enacted a nationwide ban on the airing of Indian music on FM stations on May 1, 2025.

One year later, the ban stands.

Kalyan Kothari

Kalyan Kothari, one of the nicest persons and the most gracious hosts I have met in my life, passed away on 18 May 2026. Journalist turned development focused social activist, Kalyanji has been active in several innovative projects to bring about positive change in society. From partnering with Unicef to train grassroots journalists in small towns of Rajasthan to initiating Millet Mission to improving the condition of rural artisans and musicians – he was constantly on some mission. He was a man of substance and had genuine affection for people. He had that quality of endearing people. As he passes away, my heart goes out to his family in this hour of grief.

Rest in peace Kalyanji. You will live on in our collective memories.