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Every year, India celebrates 29 January as Indian Newspaper Day. This day has been dedicated to commemorate the day when James Augustus Hicky, an Irishman, launched the first printed newspaper in India. It was called Hicky’s Bengal Gazette or the Original Calcutta General Advertiser. Therefore, India has dedicated a day to honour the beginning of this English-language weekly publication. In this blog, we will explore the history and significance of this in India. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
| Name of the day | Indian Newspaper Day |
| Observed on | 29 January |
| Year | 1780 |
| Reason | On this day in 1780, Hicky began the publishing of Bengal Gazette, India’s and Asia’s first printed newspaper. |
| Aim | To honor the day when Hicky printed the first newspaper in India and highlight its importance in our lives. |
Also Read: National Press Day 2023: Date, History, Theme, and Significance
History of Indian Newspaper Day
Before moving on, let’s learn about the history of Indian Newspaper Day.
- The history of Indian Newspaper Day is linked with the publication of the first weekly newspaper in India, Hickey’s Bengal Gazette.
- Hicky printed the first Indian newspaper on January 29, 1780, in Kolkata, the country’s capital during that time.
- Being the writer, editor, and publisher of the Bengal Gazette, Hickey covered everything from common issues to important political and social events. Moreover, he also used his weekly publication to criticize the government, its policies, and corrupt officials.
Read more about the Bengal Gazette and Hicky: Who was James Augustus Hicky?
Indian Newspaper Day 2024 Theme
This day does not have any theme. It is celebrated just to honour Hickey’s contribution to the Indian Newspaper. It is also celebrated to recognize the work of journalists, writers, news anchors, news agencies, and new channels for their inputs in the Indian Newspaper.
Significance
Indian Newspaper Day holds great significance for the people of India for numerous reasons such as:
- The day honors the essential role of newspapers in shaping public opinion and raising awareness about certain issues.
- It also puts forward the importance of a free press in society.
- Newspaper Day also highlights the importance of journalists in our society in increasing transparency and advocating freedom of speech.
- With the advent of newspaper publishing in India, even children are exposed to different issues of the world which increase their analytical thinking and communication skills.
Also Read: 📰National Journalism Day 2023: Evolution, Role and Facts
5 Quotes on Indian Newspaper Day
The newspaper is a great educator. It brings us the news of the world, it stimulates our thoughts, and it broadens our knowledge.
Mahatma Gandhi
Without newspapers, no society can ever be informed and enlightened.
Jawaharlal Nehru
The role of newspapers is to bring people together by sharing information and stories.
Helen Keller
The true voice of the people lives in the newspapers. –
Sarojini Naidu
Let newspapers continue to inform and inspire us.
R. K. Laxman
Also Read: Development of Press in India: Here Is All You Need to Know
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FAQs
In India, the Newspaper Day is celebrated every year on 29 January. This day commemorates the origin of the first Indian Newspaper, Hickey’s Bengal Gazette, which happened on January 29, 1780. It is also known as the Calcutta General Advertiser and was the first weekly newspaper.
Hickey’s Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper of India which was printed on 29 January 1780.
In India, 29 January holds a special place among other important days and dates. On this day in 1780, Hickey’s Bengal Gazette started its publications which also commenced printed newspapers in India. To commemorate this historical event, India celebrates Indian Newspaper Day every year on 29 January.
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