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

hhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai addressing the gathering on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the ‘Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav’ (Journalism Pride Festival), held at the Sundar Sadan within the Ram Temple complex on VIP Road, Raipur, Chhattisgarh -Photo Credit -CG/PR

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

Raipur : Journalists are the true warriors of democracy; even amidst arduous circumstances, they toil ceaselessly to disseminate information to the masses and play a pivotal role in steering society in the right direction. Constructive criticism from the media serves not only to guide individuals but also prompts the administration and the government toward introspection and improved performance.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai lighting lamp for inaugurating the ‘Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav’ (Journalism Pride Festival), held at the Sundar Sadan within the Ram Temple complex on VIP Road, Raipur on Saturday May 30,2026 -Photo Credit-CG-PR .

Chief Minister Sai articulated these sentiments today on saturday May 30, 2026 while addressing the ‘Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav’ (Journalism Pride Festival), held at the Sundar Sadan within the Ram Temple complex on VIP Road, Raipur. This event was organised to mark the completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism.

Chief Minister Sai remarked that such a magnificent event—rooted in the glorious traditions of journalism—is truly commendable, particularly as it takes place in Chhattisgarh, the land of Mother Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Ram. While congratulating the Raipur Press Club for organising the event, he noted that the Raipur Press Club stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious press clubs, boasting a rich and inspiring history. He added that programs organised to honor journalism and journalists serve as a powerful testament to the Press Club’s unwavering commitment and sensitivity, Sai added.

Highlighting Raipur’s journalistic heritage, Chief Minister Sai observed that the city has gifted the world of journalism with numerous towering figures. He paid tribute to a host of distinguished editors and journalists—including Madhukar Kher, Mayaram Surjan, Lalit Surjan, Ramesh Nayyar, and Baban Prasad Mishra—affirming that these luminaries have significantly enriched the robust and ideologically profound tradition of journalism.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Sai asserted that the media constitutes the very bedrock of democracy; from the nation’s freedom struggle to the eradication of social evils, journalism has consistently played a transformative role. He recalled that on May 30, 1826, Udant Martand—the country’s first Hindi newspaper, published from Kolkata by Jugal Kishore Shukla—laid the strong foundation for Indian journalism.

The glorious journey spanning two hundred years of Hindi journalism remains a source of immense pride for the people of the nation. Citing the Indian Sanatan tradition, the Chief Minister stated that Devrishi Narad is regarded as the Adi Patrakar (the first journalist), and for this very reason, members of the journalistic fraternity observe Narad Jayanti with great reverence. He remarked that it is a fascinating and inspiring fact that the publication of Udant Martand also commenced on the day of Narad Jayanti—a symbolic testament to the fact that the roots of Indian journalism have always been deeply intertwined with our cultural consciousness and Sanatan values. He further asserted that Indian journalism has played a historic role in giving voice to nationalist consciousness.

Chief Minister Sai noted that numerous freedom fighters—including Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madhavrao Sapre, and Subhash Chandra Bose—utilised journalism as a powerful medium for fostering social awakening and national consciousness. He added that whenever the glorious history of Indian journalism is chronicled, the name of Chhattisgarh will undoubtedly be inscribed in golden letters.

Making special mention of Madhavrao Sapre—a distinguished son of Mother India—he highlighted that, through his editorship of Chhattisgarh Mitra from Chhattisgarh, Sapre made a pivotal contribution to awakening and mobilizing the masses during the freedom struggle., Sai remarked.

Chief Minister Sai observed that whenever the subject of journalism arises, the memory of the late former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, naturally comes to mind. He stated that the flame of nationalism and national consciousness ignited by Atal Ji through his journalism has inspired millions of people in independent India.

Publications such as Swadesh and Rashtradharma played a crucial role in disseminating national consciousness and a sense of national identity to every section of society, Chief Minister Sai continued.

Vishnu Deo Sai affirmed that, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state government has worked diligently to translate “Modi’s Guarantees” into tangible reality on the ground; furthermore, the media has played an immensely significant role in ensuring that the state’s various public welfare schemes reach every citizen, he described .

Making specific reference to the eradication of Naxalism, he stated that an environment of peace and development has been significantly strengthened in the state—applauding leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the indomitable courage of the security forces, active public participation, and the pivotal role played by journalists. CM Sai stated.

The Chief Minister noted that journalists have played a pivotal role in encouraging those who had strayed onto the path of violence and alienation to return to the fold of peace, development, and the mainstream. He remarked that whenever the media highlights the positive changes, development, tourism, natural beauty, and growing opportunities taking place in Bastar, it helps forge a new identity for Chhattisgarh on both the national and global stages. Bastar—once known primarily for news of guns and violence—is today emerging as a hub of tourism, nature, and new avenues for development, Sai remarked.

Minister of Finance of Government of Chhattisgarh O P Choudhary addressing the gathering on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the ‘Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav’ (Journalism Pride Festival), held at the Sundar Sadan within the Ram Temple complex on VIP Road, Raipur, Chhattisgarh -Photo Credit -www.channel24india.com

Addressing the gathering, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary stated that the 200-year journey of Hindi journalism has been truly illustrious. He noted that when Udant Martand was launched in 1826, the nation was enduring a difficult phase under British rule. During such times, journalism served the dual purpose of exposing the darkness of the era while guiding society toward the light. He emphasised that the fundamental duty of journalism is to provide the right direction to both society and the nation, Choudhary added.

The keynote speaker , veteran journalist and Director of the India Habitat Centre, Dr. K.G. Suresh addressing the gathering on Saturday May 30, 2026 at the ‘Patrakarita Gaurav Martand Utsav’ (Journalism Pride Festival), held at the Sundar Sadan within the Ram Temple complex on VIP Road, Raipur, Chhattisgarh -Photo Credit -www.channel24india.com

The keynote speaker at the event, veteran journalist and Director of the India Habitat Centre, Dr. K.G. Suresh, remarked that—from the freedom struggle to independent India—journalism has consistently prioritised national duty and national interest above all else. He observed that while Hindi journalism has evolved over time to adapt to changing technologies, the growing influence of social media and the emergence of citizen journalism have also given rise to several new challenges. He asserted that keeping journalism research-oriented, factual, and evidence-based is the need of the hour, in order to further strengthen its credibility and social significance, Dr. Suresh stated.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai honored distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the field of journalism by presenting them with Lifetime Achievement Awards. He also unveiled a special commemorative issue of Navpradesh—published to mark the completion of 200 years of Hindi journalism—along with the Raipur Press Club’s Journalists’ Directory and Dinesh Yadu’s book, Main Aghahan Hoon.

The event was attended by the Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Pankaj Jha, the Chief Minister’s Advisor Krishna Das, MLA Purandar Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Civil Supplies Corporation Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman of CSIDC Rajiv Agarwal, Chairperson of the State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Varnika Sharma, Vice Chairman of the Ram Mandir Trust Sunil Ramdas, President of the Raipur Press Club Mohan Tiwari, along with other office-bearers of the Press Club, dignitaries, and a large number of journalists.