Almora, May 30: Uttarakhand Press Club Almora celebrated Hindi Journalism Day on Saturday by organizing a seminar highlighting the glorious journey, achievements, and contemporary challenges of Hindi journalism. Renowned Hindi and Kumaoni litterateur and former Head of the Hindi Department at Kumaun University, Prof. Dev Singh Pokharia, attended the event as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Pokharia said that Hindi journalism has played a crucial role in shaping public opinion, strengthening democracy, and promoting social awareness over the past two centuries. He noted that the journey began on May 30, 1826, with the publication of Udant Martand, the first Hindi weekly newspaper launched by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla in Kanpur.
He explained that although Udant Martand survived for only 79 issues, it laid the foundation for Hindi journalism and inspired generations of journalists and editors. According to him, Hindi newspapers played a vital role during India’s freedom struggle and later contributed significantly to nation-building and democratic development.
Prof. Pokharia also traced the evolution of journalism from the invention of the printing press to the rise of modern media. He emphasized that Hindi journalism not only informed society but also contributed immensely to the refinement and development of the Hindi language. Remembering literary figures such as Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, he highlighted their role in shaping modern Hindi prose and journalism.
Referring to Almora’s contribution, he said newspapers such as Almora Akhbar, Shakti, Swadheen Praja, and Samata played a significant role in carrying forward the tradition of Hindi journalism from the Himalayan region. These publications effectively voiced public concerns and promoted social consciousness.
Speaking about the present era, Prof. Pokharia stated that social media and digital platforms have expanded the reach of Hindi journalism. However, he cautioned that journalists must maintain credibility, accuracy, and ethical standards in an age of instant information and intense competition.
Presiding over the event, Press Club President Jagdish Joshi said that Hindi journalism has always stood with the people and must continue to uphold the values of public-interest journalism. He stressed that journalism remains an essential pillar of democracy.
The programme was conducted by Press Club Secretary Ashok Pandey, who highlighted the historical significance of Hindi Journalism Day and the responsibilities of journalists in modern society.
Senior journalists and media professionals also shared their views on the changing landscape of journalism, the impact of digital media, and the importance of preserving professional ethics and public trust.
Among those present were P.C. Tiwari, Suresh Tiwari, Harish Chandra Bhandari, Santosh Bisht, Kapil Malhotra, Kishan Joshi, Sanjay Agrawal, Amit Upreti, Rohit Bhatt, Dinesh Bhatt, Jagjeevan Singh Bisht, Harshvardhan Pandey, Shubham Joshi, Dayakrishna Kandpal, Hemraj Singh Chauhan, and several other journalists and media representatives.
