Hindi Patrakarita Kal Aur Aaj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Hindi Patrakarita Kal aur Aaj" by Vasundhara Mishr, focusing on the historical and contemporary aspects of Hindi journalism in India.

The book excerpt discusses the evolution and role of Hindi journalism in India, emphasizing its journey from the pre-independence struggle to the contemporary era.

Early Era and the Freedom Struggle (Pre-1947):

• Foundation: The dawn of Hindi journalism is marked by the publication of 'Udant Martand' in 1826. This was followed by a series of newspapers like 'Bangdoot' (1829), 'Sudhakar' (1850), 'Buddhi Prakash' (1852), 'Kavi Vachan Sudha' (1867), 'Harishchandra Magazine' (1873), 'Bal Bodhini Patrika' (1878), 'Hindi Pradeep' (1877), and 'Bharat Mitra' (1878), among others.
• Journalism as a Fight for Freedom: The period between 1885 and 1919 is considered the "awakening period" of Indian journalism. Newspapers played a crucial role in disseminating the slogan "Swarajya hamara janmasiddh adhikar hai" (Self-rule is our birthright) to the masses. English rulers were often cruel towards Indian journalism, viewing it as a direct challenge to their authority. In essence, Indian journalism was synonymous with the freedom struggle.
• Ideals and Sacrifice: Early Hindi journalists were characterized by their integrity, dedication, and idealism. They understood their responsibility to the public, aiming to educate, awaken, and expose societal flaws. The text highlights the courage of editors who were willing to face imprisonment or exile for their beliefs and for providing honest counsel to the government, as exemplified by the editorial in 'Uchit Vakta' in 1883. This era of journalism was deeply rooted in values and principles, with journalists prioritizing national interest over personal gain.
• Impact on National Consciousness: Newspapers like 'Hind Kesari' (from Poona) and 'Swarajya' (from Allahabad) fueled the independence movement. Editors like Madan Mohan Malaviya, Amritlal Chakraborty, Pratapnarayan Mishra, and Balmukund Gupta were instrumental in awakening cultural awareness and patriotism among Indians. Their writings directly challenged British rule, causing tremors in the administration.

Post-Independence Era (Post-1947):

• Nation Building: After India's independence, Hindi journalism entered a new era, focusing on nation-building and development. Newspapers actively supported national progress in various sectors like agriculture, industry, technology, and security. They worked alongside national leaders to address the challenges faced by the new nation.
• Addressing Contemporary Issues: Post-independence Hindi journalism has been actively engaged in combating issues like corruption, terrorism, price rise, profiteering, foreign infiltration, and the conspiracies of multinational corporations. It has also played a vital role in projecting India as a global power and fostering national integration.
• Expansion and Diversification: The number of Hindi newspapers has significantly increased since independence. The 21st century is described as a "golden period" for Hindi journalism, characterized by its expansive reach and the inclusion of new subject areas like literature, education, religion, agriculture, health, science, industry, film, women's issues, and child journalism.

Contemporary Challenges and the Future:

• Commercialization and Decline in Values: The text expresses concern about the growing influence of commercialism and market forces on contemporary journalism. This has led to a shift towards sensationalism, often termed "yellow journalism," with a focus on sex, crime, corruption, and vulgarity to boost circulation.
• Erosion of Ethical Standards: The integrity and ethical standards of journalism are under threat. Many journalists and newspapers are accused of acting as mouthpieces for the ruling powers or succumbing to temptations. The commercialization has led to a situation where journalists who once valued their principles over personal comfort are now willing to compromise their ideals for financial gain.
• Rise of Yellow Journalism and Political Patronage: The excerpt criticizes the prevalence of "yellow journalism" and political sycophancy within the media landscape. The pursuit of profit has overshadowed the original journalistic ethos of public service.
• Influence of English Journalism: The increasing dominance of English journalism over Hindi journalism is attributed to the decline in ethical practices and the diminished drive among Hindi journalists. The sense of responsibility towards readers has waned.
• Call for Revival: The author urges Hindi journalists to uphold the legacy of their predecessors and to revive the noble ideals of journalism. This requires introspection and a recommitment to journalistic ethics and public service. The text concludes with a hopeful outlook, suggesting that if Hindi journalism maintains its focus on national ideals and public welfare, the 21st century can indeed be a golden era, but this requires journalists to regain their dignity and commitment to truth and service.

In essence, the book traces the journey of Hindi journalism from its heroic beginnings as a tool for national liberation to its current complex and often challenging landscape, urging a return to its foundational principles of truth, integrity, and public service.