Shri Harivansh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, on 5th May addressed the gathering at the release of a special commemorative issue of ‘Sanchar Madhyam’, the flagship research journal of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), marking the 200-year journey of Hindi journalism in India. The event was graced by the presence of Vice Chancellor of IIMC, Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Dr. K.K. Nirala.

Highlighting the rich legacy and evolving role of Hindi journalism in nation-building Shri Harivansh  said that In an era marked by rapid transformation, the very definition of literate and illiterate has evolved beyond the traditional boundaries of reading and writing. Continuous learning and the ability to adapt to emerging knowledge systems have become indispensable. Technologies that once took centuries to evolve are now transforming within years and even months.

Against this backdrop, he urged  individuals especially the young communicators to envision meaningful dreams within this changing landscape and pursue them with unwavering commitment. “Only then,” he noted, “can one leave a lasting imprint, much like the Udant Martand, the first Hindi newspaper published from Calcutta in 1826.”

Highlighting the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’, Shri Harivansh emphasised the critical role of communication, research, and innovation in shaping India’s future. He described the present as a “skill-driven era,” where the acquisition and application of skills have the power to transform lives. Stressing the centrality of economic transformation, he observed that it often sets the trajectory for broader societal change. In this regard, he pointed to India’s recent strides in infrastructure development, including high-speed rail, modern ports, and other key sectors.

He mentioned that in this age of information revolution, shaping both personal and national futures requires innovation and the courage to move beyond conventional paths. Shri Harivansh added that journalism must ensure that even the smallest pieces of information reach the masses, enabling informed public discourse and consensus on issues of national importance. He emphasized that communicators must fully recognise their responsibility towards the nation.

Vice Chancellor of IIMC Dr. Pragya Paliwal Gaur noted that the special issue of ‘Sanchar Madhyam’ brings together contributions from leading academics and media professionals, reflecting on key milestones in the evolution of Hindi journalism over the past two centuries. She added that while the journal consistently tracks emerging trends in journalism, it also plays a vital role in revisiting the elements of India’s rich knowledge traditions within a contemporary framework.

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Mahesh Kumar/ Aparajita Priyadarshini