Value-Based Journalism Essential for Nation Building: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, June 2026: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that mother tongues and Indian languages serve as vital carriers of knowledge, culture, and values from one generation to the next, and emphasised that education in native languages, the preservation of Indian languages, and value-based journalism are crucial for the nation’s holistic development.

He was speaking at a ceremony organised by the Mumbai Hindi Journalists’ Association to commemorate 200 years of Hindi journalism. The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, MLAs Amit Satam, Rajhans Singh, Murji Patel, and Sanjay Upadhyay, along with several distinguished personalities from different fields.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Fadnavis highlighted the rich legacy of Hindi journalism and its significant contribution to India’s freedom movement. He noted that Hindi journalism played a key role in creating public awareness and shaping national consciousness. Beginning with Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper, the journey of Hindi journalism has helped guide social and national discourse in the country. He added that many leaders of the freedom struggle effectively used journalism as a medium to inspire patriotism and sustain the spirit of nationalism.

Speaking about the longstanding cultural and historical ties between Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, Fadnavis said that both states have remained connected for centuries through shared traditions, knowledge systems, and cultural exchanges. He pointed out that Hindi and Marathi have both evolved from the Sanskrit tradition and share a natural affinity through the Devanagari script.

Underscoring the importance of Indian languages, the Chief Minister observed that most developed nations impart education in their native languages. He said that learning in one’s mother tongue enables individuals to absorb knowledge more effectively and build stronger intellectual foundations. In this context, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s emphasis on promoting education in Indian languages, stating that such a policy would contribute significantly to the country’s development. He also encouraged citizens to learn not only their mother tongue but also other Indian languages to strengthen national unity and cultural understanding.

Reflecting on the rapidly evolving media landscape, Fadnavis said that the expansion of print, electronic, digital, and social media platforms has transformed the way information is disseminated. However, he stressed that the speed of news delivery should never outweigh its authenticity and credibility.

Describing journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, he said the profession plays a vital role in safeguarding societal values and strengthening democratic institutions. He urged media professionals to preserve the core principles of journalism and continue serving the larger interests of society, even as technology and communication platforms evolve.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also addressed the gathering, noting that Hindi is now the third most widely spoken language in the world and serves as a powerful medium that connects people across regions and communities.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Fadnavis honoured senior journalists Gangadhar Dhobale, Hemant Tiwari, Kumud Sanghvi Chavare, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Avadhesh Vyas for their contributions to Hindi journalism. Professor Rammohan Pathak and singer Suresh Shukla were also felicitated for their achievements.

Earlier, Vijay Singh Kaushik, General Secretary of the Mumbai Hindi Journalists’ Association, welcomed the guests and outlined the organisation’s activities. He said the event had been organised to mark the historic milestone of 200 years of Hindi journalism and celebrate its enduring contribution to Indian society and democracy.