Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday, 30 May 2026, extended greetings to journalists across the country on the occasion of Hindi Patrakarita Diwas, marking the anniversary of the first Hindi-language newspaper, Udant Martand, launched in 1826.

Context

Posting on X, Chouhan conveyed 'हार्दिक बधाई एवं शुभकामनाएं' ('heartfelt congratulations and best wishes') to all journalist colleagues. He acknowledged Hindi journalism's role in 'awakening society, strengthening democracy, and giving effective expression to public concerns' over the course of its 'glorious journey.'

He concluded with a wish that journalists continue to contribute to the 'progress of the nation and society in keeping with the spirit of public interest and social responsibility.'

Policy Backdrop

Hindi Patrakarita Diwas is observed every year on 30 May to commemorate the publication of Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper, which began circulation on 30 May 1826 in Calcutta (present-day Kolkata). The paper was founded by Jugal Kishore Shukla and is widely regarded as a milestone in the history of Indian vernacular journalism.

Successive governments and public figures in India have used the occasion to reaffirm the press's constitutional role in informing citizens and supporting democratic accountability, while also promoting the use of Hindi across official and media domains.

Stakeholders and Impact

The message is directed at the broader community of Hindi-language journalists — a constituency that spans print, broadcast, and digital platforms across Hindi-belt states including Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh. Hindi is the most widely spoken language in India, and Hindi-language journalism reaches hundreds of millions of readers and viewers.

As a former four-term Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh — one of India's largest Hindi-speaking states — Chouhan carries particular resonance when addressing the Hindi media community. His message underscores the government's consistent emphasis on recognising the press as a pillar of democratic society.

What's Next

Annual observances of Hindi Patrakarita Diwas typically prompt broader conversations around media freedom, the health of regional-language journalism, and government policy on Hindi promotion. Further official statements on media policy or Hindi in public life may follow in the coming days as part of the day's observances.

The occasion also serves as a reminder of the long-standing relationship between Hindi journalism and India's political class — a relationship that has shaped public discourse from the independence movement to the present day.