No matter how much times and trends change, the newspaper continues to hold great relevance in our lives. In India, we are still united in our consumption of newspapers, a habit that is hard to break...
But when did India actually start reading newspapers? The Calcutta General Advertiser, also known as Hicky’s Bengal Gazette, was the name of the country’s first newspaper. Its printing took place at Kolkata, the Indian capital at the time, on January 29, 1780. Newspapers altered the way things operated – remember, this was during the period when news took days to reach its intended audience. The only media that provided pertinent information and wasn’t prohibitively expensive was print.
Although Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was only published weekly, it was the beginning of a much-needed shift. Every home began to receive news, which was a significant step in bringing the general public closer to those in positions of authority.
The literary style of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was known for being provocative and satirical. In contrast to many other publications of the era, it championed the rights of the impoverished and the right to representation in taxes, while debating forbidden subjects and proto-class awareness. Newspapers with compelling articles were supported by research and images and had a significant impact on how people saw the world. The public found it easier to evaluate what was and wasn’t good for them. In addition to becoming well-known among British soldiers stationed in India at the time, the publication also encouraged Indians to start their own newspapers.
Innovations In Technology For Indian Newspapers
The newspaper industry grew remarkably by the 20th century. Numerous regional language magazines were launched, and the sector helped the country create jobs. The general public’s interest in literature was also growing, which boosted circulation and readership. The original intent behind newspapers was to promote nationalism, talk about social reforms, and unite the country through patriotism. However, as time went by, their focus shifted to profit-making.
January 29th marks the birth of Indian Newspaper Day, as the medium has been instrumental in dispelling falsehoods and inspiring the next generation to bring about a positive change in society. It is a historic milestone for the community of Indian journalists as well as the Newspaper Society of India - their way of honouring the advancements made in journalism and the press throughout the years, as well as the current place that print journalism occupies in a digital world. Ever since the first newspaper in India was produced, the press in the country has advanced significantly as a mirror of society and the country at large.
Image source: Outlook India, Twimg