Why Do Newspapers Still Matter? Indian Newspaper Day 2026 and the Power of Print

Even in the age of instant news and social media, newspapers continue to hold a unique place in India’s democracy. Indian Newspaper Day 2026, observed on 29 January, celebrates the legacy of print journalism and honours journalists who uphold truth, accountability, and ethical reporting while keeping citizens informed and empowered.

Date and Historical Background

• Indian Newspaper Day is observed every year on 29 January.
• The date commemorates the launch of Hicky’s Bengal Gazette by James Augustus Hicky in 1780 in Calcutta, now Kolkata.
• It was India’s first newspaper and played a pioneering role in challenging authority and promoting freedom of expression.
• Over time, newspapers became powerful tools during the freedom struggle, spreading nationalist ideas, political awareness, and unity among people across regions.

Evolution of Indian Journalism

• Indian journalism has evolved from small colonial-era publications to one of the largest and most diverse media landscapes in the world.
• Newspapers informed citizens during the freedom movement, exposed injustices, and shaped public opinion.
• In independent India, the press emerged as a watchdog of democracy, holding power accountable.
• Today, while journalism has expanded into digital platforms, newspapers continue to preserve their core values of credibility, verification, and responsibility.

Significance of Indian Newspaper Day

• Indian Newspaper Day recognises the crucial role newspapers play in strengthening democracy.
• It promotes freedom of speech and expression while encouraging ethical and unbiased journalism.
• The day honours journalists, editors, and reporters who work under pressure and, at times, risk their safety to bring facts to the public.
• In an era of misinformation, the observance highlights the importance of credible news sources and fact-based reporting.

Role of Newspapers in Modern Society

• Despite the rise of digital media, newspapers remain trusted sources of information for millions.
• They provide in-depth and verified reporting, balanced opinions through editorials, and long-form analysis that digital platforms often lack.
• Newspapers also act as historical records, documenting social, political, and economic changes.
• Their role as a bridge between citizens and institutions continues to be vital for transparency and public accountability.

Why the Day Matters in the Digital Age

• With the rapid spread of unverified content on social media, newspapers stand out for their editorial standards and accountability.
• Indian Newspaper Day serves as a reminder that journalism is a public service, not just a profession.
• Supporting credible newspapers helps sustain democratic values, informed decision-making, and social awareness.

Background of Freedom of the Press in India

• Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of Indian democracy, protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution as part of freedom of speech and expression.
• A strong and independent press ensures transparency, citizen participation, and responsible governance.

Important Newspapers in India – Founders & Features

Bengal Gazette/Calcutta General Advertiser (1780)

• Founder: James Augustus Hickey
• First newspaper in India, exposed corruption of Hastings & British officials

Sambad Kaumudi (1821)

• Founder: Raja Rammohan Roy
• Bengali weekly; campaigned against Sati; pioneer of nationalist journalism
• Advocated Indian demand for trial by jury

Bombay Samachar (1822)

• Founder: Fardoonji Murazban
• Oldest running vernacular newspaper (Gujarati); served British residents in western India

Bombay Times (1838)

• Founder: J.E. Brennan (retired Irish doctor)
• Served British residents; published after press restrictions were lifted

Rast Goftar (1851)

• Founder: Dadabhai Naoroji
• Gujarati fortnightly; promoted Parsi reforms & social issues

Somaprakash (1858)

• Founder: Dwarakanath Vidyabhusan
• First Bengali newspaper to discuss political issues

Indian Mirror (1861)

• Founder: Manmohan Ghose (with help from Debendranath Tagore)
• Fortnightly turned daily; contributed by Theosophical Society

Bengalee (1862)

• Founder: Girish Chandra Ghose / S.N. Banerjee
• English weekly; anti-partition agitation; later became a daily

Amrit Bazaar Patrika (1868)

• Founder: Shishir Kumar Ghosh & Motilal Ghosh
• Bengali weekly turned bilingual, then English-only due to Vernacular Press Act

The Hindu (1878)

• Founder: G. Subramaniya Iyer
• English daily; protested British policies

Kesari & Mahratta (1881)

• Founder: Lokmanya Tilak
• Kesari (Marathi), Mahratta (English); propagated Swaraj, Swadeshi, Boycott, National Education

The Indian Sociologist (1905)

• Founder: Shyamji Krishna Varma
• Published in London; spread nationalist ideas in Europe

Yugantar (1906)

• Founder: Barindra Kumar Ghosh
• Advocated armed revolt; linked to Alipore bomb case

Ghadr (1913)

• Founder: Ghadr movement leaders
• Weekly in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi; circulated among Indian diaspora globally

Commonweal (1916)

• Founder: Annie Besant
• Promoted Home Rule movement; also started New India

Young India (1916)

• Founder: Lala Lajpat Rai (published USA)
• Advocated Indian political unity & self-governance

Harijan (1933)

• Founder: Mahatma Gandhi
• English weekly; fought untouchability & promoted social reform

Question

Q. Indian Newspaper Day is observed on which date?

A. 26 January
B. 28 January
C. 29 January
D. 30 January