Journalists Are the True Sentinels of Democracy; Their Role in Guiding Society Is Crucial: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Journalism Has Played a Historic Role in Nation-Building and Social Transformation: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai

Raipur: Journalists are the true sentinels of democracy who work tirelessly, even under challenging circumstances, to deliver information to the people and guide society in the right direction. Positive criticism by the media not only helps individuals improve but also encourages governments and administrations to introspect and perform better. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai made these remarks while addressing the Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav held at Sundar Sadan, Ram Mandir Complex, VIP Road, Raipur. The event was organized to commemorate 200 years of Hindi journalism.

Chief Minister Sai said that organizing such a remarkable event in Chhattisgarh—the land of Mata Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram—is truly commendable. Congratulating the Raipur Press Club for the initiative, he noted that it is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious press clubs, with a rich and inspiring history. He said that programs dedicated to honoring journalism and journalists reflect the club’s commitment and sensitivity toward the profession.

Recalling Raipur’s rich journalistic legacy, the Chief Minister said that the city has produced several distinguished figures in journalism. He paid tribute to renowned editors and journalists including Madhukar Kher, Mayaram Surjan, Lalit Surjan, Ramesh Nair, and Baban Prasad Mishra, stating that they greatly enriched the intellectual and ideological traditions of journalism.

Chief Minister Sai emphasized that the media is a cornerstone of democracy. From India’s freedom movement to the eradication of social evils, journalism has consistently played a transformative role. He noted that the publication of India’s first Hindi newspaper, Udant Martand, by Jugal Kishore Shukla in Kolkata on May 30, 1826, laid the foundation of Hindi journalism. The glorious 200-year journey of Hindi journalism is a matter of pride for the nation.

Referring to India’s Sanatan tradition, the Chief Minister said that Devarshi Narad is regarded as the first journalist, which is why journalists celebrate Narad Jayanti with great respect. He added that it is both interesting and inspiring that Udant Martand was also launched on Narad Jayanti, symbolizing the deep connection between Indian journalism and the country’s cultural and civilizational values. He said that Indian journalism has historically played a vital role in strengthening nationalist consciousness.

The Chief Minister further stated that freedom fighters such as Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madhavrao Sapre, and Subhas Chandra Bose used journalism as a powerful medium for social awakening and national consciousness. He said that whenever the glorious history of Indian journalism is written, Chhattisgarh will occupy a distinguished place in it.

Paying special tribute to Madhavrao Sapre, he said that through the publication of Chhattisgarh Mitra, Sapre made significant contributions toward mobilizing and awakening people during the freedom movement.

Chief Minister Sai remarked that any discussion on journalism would be incomplete without remembering Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Through his journalistic work, Vajpayee ignited a spirit of nationalism and national consciousness that inspired millions in independent India. Publications such as Swadesh and Rashtradharma played an important role in spreading national awareness and identity among the masses.

The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has worked to implement the promises made to the people, and the media has played a crucial role in ensuring that welfare schemes reach every citizen. Referring to the campaign against Naxalism, he said that the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the courage of security forces, public participation, and the significant contribution of journalists have together strengthened peace and development in the state.

He added that journalists have played an important role in encouraging people affected by violence and extremism to embrace peace, development, and the mainstream. Today, when the media highlights positive developments in Bastar—including tourism, natural beauty, infrastructure growth, and emerging opportunities—it helps build a new identity for Chhattisgarh across the country and the world. Bastar, once associated primarily with violence and conflict, is now emerging as a center of tourism, nature, and development.

Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary said that the 200-year journey of Hindi journalism has been truly remarkable. He noted that when Udant Martand was launched in 1826, India was passing through a difficult period under British rule. During that time, journalism not only exposed the darkness of the era but also showed society a path toward enlightenment and progress. He emphasized that the fundamental duty of journalism is to guide society and the nation in the right direction.

The keynote speaker, senior journalist and Director of India Habitat Centre, Dr. K.G. Suresh, said that from the freedom movement to modern India, journalism has always placed national interest above all else. He observed that Hindi journalism has evolved with changing technologies, but the growing influence of social media and citizen journalism has also created new challenges. He stressed the need for journalism to remain research-based, factual, and evidence-driven to preserve its credibility and strengthen its social role.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions to journalism. He also released a special edition of Nav Pradesh commemorating 200 years of Hindi journalism, the Raipur Press Club Journalists’ Directory, and the book Main Aghan Hoon authored by Dinesh Yadu.

Among those present were Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Pankaj Jha, Advisor Krishna Das, MLA Purandar Mishra, Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Sanjay Srivastava, CSIDC Chairman Rajeev Agrawal, Chairperson of the State Child Protection Commission Varnika Sharma, Vice Chairman of Ram Mandir Trust Sunil Ramdas, Raipur Press Club President Mohan Tiwari, office-bearers of the Press Club, distinguished citizens, and a large number of members of the public.