Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday, 1 June said that mother-tongue education, the preservation of Indian languages, and value-based journalism are indispensable to the nation's overall development. He was speaking as chief guest at an event organised by the Mumbai Hindi Patrakar Sangh (Mumbai Hindi Journalists Association) to mark the 200th anniversary of Hindi journalism in India.

Mother Tongue and the Transfer of Knowledge

CM Fadnavis stressed that knowledge, culture, and the legacy of values are most effectively transmitted to future generations through the mother tongue and native Indian languages. He noted that when education is imparted in the mother tongue, learners absorb knowledge far more deeply and efficiently.

He encouraged individuals to attain proficiency in other Indian languages as well, arguing that cross-linguistic fluency fosters broader cultural integration across the country.

Hindi Journalism's Historic Role

'Hindi journalism has a rich and glorious history. It has played a massive role in raising public awareness during India's freedom struggle,' said CM Fadnavis. He paid tribute to the press's journey beginning with Udant Martand, the first Hindi-language newspaper published in India, which he credited with shaping the nation's social and political discourse.

He recalled how leaders of the independence movement actively wielded journalism as a tool to awaken and sustain nationalist sentiment across the country. Notably, this commemoration comes as Hindi journalism completes two centuries — a milestone that underscores the language's enduring role in public life.

Maharashtra-UP Ties and the Devanagari Bond

Reflecting on shared cultural heritage, CM Fadnavis highlighted the centuries-old ties between Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh in the domains of knowledge, tradition, and culture. He pointed out that both Hindi and Marathi evolved from the Sanskrit tradition and share a natural proximity through the Devanagari script.

Accuracy Over Speed in Modern Journalism

Commenting on the rapidly changing media landscape, the Chief Minister observed that the expansion of print, electronic, digital, and social media has fundamentally transformed how information is disseminated. However, he was emphatic that the accuracy and credibility of a news story matter far more than the speed of its broadcast.

He reaffirmed journalism's role as the fourth pillar of democracy, arguing that it preserves the values of social life and strengthens democratic institutions. Even as the media environment evolves, he said, journalism must hold fast to its core values and continue to serve the public interest.

UP Deputy CM Adds His Voice

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also addressed the gathering, noting that Hindi is the third-most-spoken language in the world and serves as a unifying thread across communities. His presence at the Mumbai event underlined the cross-state significance of the occasion.

As Hindi journalism enters its third century, the calls from both leaders for ethical, credible reporting are likely to resonate well beyond the anniversary celebrations.