04-02-2026 : Address by the Hon’ble Governor on “The Role of Hindi Journalism in Nation-Building after Independence” at a programme organised by the Press Club, Haridwar

Jai Hind!

On this sacred land of penance, it is a matter of great honour and deep inner satisfaction for me to be present at this dignified gathering among esteemed members of the media—the fourth pillar of democracy—and all distinguished participants.

Haridwar is not merely a geographical location; it is the living flow of India’s consciousness. Today, on this holy soil, this programme celebrates a vibrant tradition where words, ideas, truth, and public awareness come together to shape the direction of the nation’s future.

Haridwar is a land where the Ganga flows not just as a river, but as a philosophy of life—where spiritual discipline purifies the soul and service becomes a way of living. The forthcoming sacred Kumbh to be held here will not be merely a congregation of devotees; it will be a grand celebration of India’s eternal spirit, cultural unity, and social harmony—an event through which the world will see, understand, and acknowledge India.

Haridwar is regarded as the land of penance of Lord Shiva—the presiding deity of transformation. The trident held by Shiva conveys a profound message: the progress of life and of a nation cannot be one-dimensional. The three prongs of the trident call upon us to advance together through spiritual elevation, social harmony, and material development.

If there is only material growth and the soul is empty, society loses direction. If there is spirituality without social sensitivity, it turns into withdrawal. And if there are social concerns without a foundation of development, aspirations remain unfulfilled.

If Hindi journalism imbibes this Shiv-tattva, it will not remain a mere compilation of news; it will become the custodian of society’s conscience. It will speak the truth—with wisdom; it will raise questions—in the national interest; and it will seek change—anchored in values. This balance is Shiva’s message, and it is also the true dharma of journalism.

On this sacred land of Haridwar, where the uninterrupted flow of the Ganga continuously reminds us of purity, truth, and forward movement, speaking on Hindi journalism today is not merely an intellectual exercise—it is a moral, national, and spiritual responsibility.

Today’s theme is profoundly relevant for contemporary India: “The Role of Hindi Journalism in Nation-Building after Independence.” This subject is as expansive as it is deep, and as intellectual as it is connected to the soul of the nation.

Friends,

Independence was not merely a transfer of power; it was not just the celebration of the British leaving India. It was the renaissance of a civilisation, the liberation of a national soul, and a resolve to build a new India.

In this historic transformation, if anyone lit the lamp of awareness in the minds of the masses, it was Hindi journalism. Before independence, it gave voice to mass movements; after independence, it provided direction to nation-building.

History bears witness that the growth of Indian nationalism and Indian journalism occurred almost in parallel. Leaders and thinkers such as Mahatma Gandhi, Lokmanya Tilak, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose, Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi, and Madan Mohan Malaviya connected the common people to national discourse through their writings, awakened them to their rights, and made journalism an active participant in the freedom struggle.

The Constitution of independent India enshrined freedom of expression as a fundamental right—the very soul of democracy. But with this freedom came a profound responsibility upon journalists: commitment to truth, dedication to public interest, and the protection of democratic values.

My journalist friends,

Hindi journalism is the voice of India’s soul. It has emerged from the soil of India’s villages. It is the language of the mother who bids farewell to her son at the border, of the farmer who looks up to the sky waiting for rain, and of the youth who dreams of a developed India.

Hindi journalism truly brought democracy out of documents and into lived reality. We often speak of the four pillars of democracy, but in the Indian context, I would say that Hindi journalism is not merely a pillar—it is the conscience of democracy. It questions authority, evaluates policies, and places public interest at the centre. That is why, whenever democracy has faltered, Hindi journalism has steadied it.

Our Constitution is not merely a legal document; it is the moral resolve of the nation. Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—Hindi journalism carried these values to the masses. It ensured that the Constitution did not remain confined to courtrooms, but became part of public consciousness.

I firmly believe that Hindi journalism has been a pioneer of social reform. It raised the voice for women’s dignity, illuminated the path of education, brought health and cleanliness into national discourse, and fearlessly challenged social evils.

This journalism has not merely reported events; it has been a mirror of society’s soul and the voice of the marginalised. The real India does not reside only in metropolitan cities—it lives in villages, mountains, and border regions. Hindi journalism reached that last person who had neither a platform nor a microphone. This is its greatest democratic strength.

Amid linguistic, religious, and regional diversity, Hindi journalism has acted as a sentinel of national unity, keeping India bound together. From the valour of soldiers at the borders to internal challenges, it has united the nation in times of crisis. Be it the Emergency, natural disasters, or social upheavals, Hindi journalism has shown the courage to stand with the truth—and courage is the true hallmark of journalism.

Hindi journalism has consistently voiced the people’s movements of Uttarakhand, the struggle for statehood, and issues of public interest. Here, journalism has not merely been a profession—it has been a form of public service and collective conscience. Indian philosophy teaches us, “Satyameva Jayate.” This is also the mantra of journalism. When truth, discernment, restraint, and public welfare guide journalism, it does not merely inform—it provides direction.

My journalist colleagues,

We must also remember that Indian journalism is rooted in an ancient tradition of dialogue, truth, and duty. Figures such as Maharshi Narada, Ved Vyasa, and Hanuman symbolise this ideal. Journalism anchored in values never strays from its purpose—this is what I also expect from you.

In today’s digital age, the nature of media is changing rapidly. Social media, artificial intelligence, and data-driven technologies bring new opportunities as well as new challenges. In such times, vigilance against fake news and information pollution becomes even more essential.

I make a special appeal to young journalists: use technology as a tool, not as an end in itself. Never compromise on truth, credibility, and balance. A single report, article, or visual can change the direction of society—your responsibility is therefore immense.

If public trust in journalism weakens, the foundations of democracy also weaken. Hence, journalism must always remember that national interest stands above TRP, and truth stands above sensationalism.

My journalist friends,

I urge you not to view your pen merely as a career instrument. Your pen is a force that shapes society’s direction and draws the contours of the nation’s future. From your writing, trust can be born—or confusion.

Therefore, your guiding mantra must always be clear: Nation first, truth supreme, and deep sensitivity towards society. When these values form the foundation of your journalism, your voice will be both credible and impactful.

At a time when the nation is passing through the Amrit Kaal and the world looks at India with hope, journalism is expected to be as pure as the Ganga, as fearless as Shiva, and as balanced as the trident. Because when journalism becomes a pursuit of truth, it does not merely record history—it shapes the nation’s future.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all office-bearers and members of the Press Club, Haridwar, for this meaningful programme. I am confident that this institution will continue to strengthen Hindi journalism, democratic values, and the resolve of nation-building.

Rich in natural resources and cultural and spiritual heritage, Uttarakhand can become an ideal model of national development and human-centric growth. I have full faith that through our collective efforts, Uttarakhand will emerge as a self-reliant state and a strong contributor to a developed India well before 2047.

I expect all of you to continue discharging your duties with truth, sensitivity, and balance. Together, we will fulfil the collective resolve of building a self-reliant India, a developed India, and a Vishwaguru India by the centenary of Independence in 2047—an India that leads the world. I am confident that in this journey, Hindi journalism will serve as a vital bridge between the people and governance.

With these words, and with my heartfelt best wishes to all journalist colleagues for this noble journey of nation-building, I conclude my address from this sacred land of Haridwar.

Jai Hind!