Architects of Hindi Journalism

‘Udant Martand’ was the first Hindi weekly paper, which was published on 30th May 1826 from Kolkata.

- ER. PRABHAT KISHORE

Yugal Kishore Shukla single-handedly carried out the work of publishing this first paper of Hindi in a resource less state for the benefit of Indians.

Born in Kanpur in the year 1788, Shuklaji was the Proceeding Reader in Diwani Kacheri of Kolkata and published 'Udant Martand' for the Hindi loving people. Then its price was two rupees per annum. Looking at the news and other materials published in the paper, it appears that the foundation of journalism in those days was laid on struggle, sacrifice and fearlessness.

Apart from domestic, foreign and local news, comments and articles on humor and satire were also published. It contained the appointment of government officials, fortnightly letters, time of arrival and departure of ships and the market rates of Kolkata. He was confident that this newspaper would get the full support of the government and the public and would continue its journey uninterrupted. But his hope was not fulfilled. As a result, due to his limited resources and meager capital, he had to close down the paper after one and a half years with its last issue of December 4, 1827.