Raipur
Describing journalists as the “true foot soldiers of democracy”, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Saturday said the media plays a vital role in informing citizens, guiding society and strengthening governance through constructive criticism.
Addressing the Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav organised by the Raipur Press Club at Sunder Sadan in the Ram Mandir Complex on VIP Road to mark 200 years of Hindi journalism, Sai said positive criticism by the media helps governments and administrations introspect and improve their performance.
Calling the event a tribute to the rich tradition of journalism in Chhattisgarh, the land of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Ram, the chief minister congratulated the Raipur Press Club, describing it as one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious press bodies.
Sai recalled the contributions of eminent journalists and editors from Raipur, including Madhukar Kher, Mayaram Surjan, Lalit Surjan, Ramesh Nayyar and Baban Prasad Mishra, saying they enriched the value-based traditions of Indian journalism. He noted that the media has remained a cornerstone of democracy, contributing to both the freedom movement and social reform.
Referring to the bicentenary of Hindi journalism, Sai said the publication of Udant Martand by Jugal Kishore Shukla in Kolkata on May 30, 1826, laid the foundation for Hindi journalism. The 200-year journey, he said, remains a matter of national pride.
Invoking Indian tradition, Sai said Sage Narad is regarded as the first journalist, noting that Udant Martand was launched on Narad Jayanti, reflecting the deep cultural roots of Indian journalism.
He highlighted the role of leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madhavrao Sapre and Subhas Chandra Bose, who used journalism as a tool for social awakening and nation-building.
The chief minister paid special tribute to Madhavrao Sapre for using Chhattisgarh Mitra to mobilise public opinion during the freedom movement. He also recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee‘s association with publications such as Swadesh and Rashtradharma.
Sai said the media has helped disseminate information about welfare schemes implemented under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has contributed to promoting peace and development in the state. Referring to anti-Naxal operations, he said media support has helped bring positive change and encouraged people to join the mainstream.
“When the media highlights development, tourism and positive transformation in Bastar, it helps create a new identity for Chhattisgarh. Bastar, once associated with violence, is now emerging as a tourism and nature destination,” he said.
Finance Minister O P Choudhary, speaking on the occasion, said journalism has consistently provided direction to society, including during the colonial era when Udant Martand began publication. He stressed that journalism’s foremost responsibility is to guide the nation with truth and integrity.
Delivering the keynote address, senior journalist and Director of the India Habitat Centre, K G Suresh said Hindi journalism has evolved with technological advancements. He cautioned that the rise of social media and citizen journalism has created new challenges, making research-based and evidence-based reporting essential for maintaining credibility.
During the programme, the chief minister presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to senior journalists for their contributions to the profession. He also released a special issue of Nav Pradesh, the Raipur Press Club directory, and a book titled Main Aghan Hun authored by Dinesh Yadu.
