**Executive Summary**
On 5 May 2026, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) released a special commemorative issue of its flagship research journal, ‘Sanchar Madhyam’, marking 200 years of Hindi journalism. The event highlighted the evolution of media since 1826 and emphasized the role of communication, research, and innovation in achieving the 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision. Key action items include a call for young communicators to adapt to a skill-driven era and commit to nation-building through informed public discourse.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Commemorative Publication**
* IIMC released a special issue of ‘Sanchar Madhyam’ to celebrate the bicentennial journey of Hindi journalism in India.
* The issue features contributions from leading academics and media professionals, documenting milestones from the first Hindi newspaper, *Udant Martand* (1826), to current trends.
* The journal aims to revisit India’s rich knowledge traditions within a contemporary framework while tracking emerging industry shifts.
**The Role of Journalism in Nation-Building**
* Journalism is described as a tool for ensuring information reaches the masses to enable public discourse and national consensus on important issues.
* Communicators are urged to recognize their responsibility toward the nation and help shape personal and national futures through innovation.
* High-quality journalism is framed as essential for supporting India’s strides in infrastructure and economic transformation.
**Adaptation to Technological Change**
* The definition of literacy has evolved to require continuous learning and the ability to adapt to knowledge systems that transform within months.
* The current period is defined as a “skill-driven era” where the acquisition and application of skills are necessary for life transformation.
* Young communicators are encouraged to move beyond conventional paths and pursue meaningful goals with unwavering commitment.
**Impact Analysis**
**Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)**
**Impact**
The institute reinforces its position as a key research body by documenting the 200-year legacy of Hindi journalism and connecting historical knowledge with modern trends.
**Action Required**
The IIMC must continue to provide platforms for academics and professionals to track emerging media trends and research.
**Young Communicators and Students**
**Impact**
They are identified as the primary drivers of future communication and are tasked with adapting to a rapidly changing technological and economic landscape.
**Action Required**
Individuals must commit to continuous learning, acquire specialized skills, and aim to leave a lasting imprint on the field of journalism.
**Media Professionals and Academics**
**Impact**
The release provides a collaborative resource that reflects on milestones and integrates India’s knowledge traditions into current media practices.
**Action Required**
Professionals are expected to uphold their responsibility to the nation by ensuring even small pieces of information contribute to informed public discourse.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC): The premier media research and training institution that released the special issue of its flagship journal to commemorate 200 years of Hindi journalism.
Sanchar Madhyam: The flagship research journal of the IIMC which published a special commemorative issue exploring the evolution of Hindi journalism and India’s knowledge traditions.
Viksit Bharat 2047: The government's national vision initiative highlighted in the address as the framework for the critical role of communication and innovation in India’s future.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting: The primary regulatory and administrative ministry under which the IIMC operates and which oversaw the commemorative event.
Harivansh: The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha who delivered the keynote address on the evolving role of journalism in nation-building.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
IIMC releases special issue of ‘Sanchar
Madhyam’ marking 200 years of Hindi journalism
In changing times, dare to dream and devote your full
strength to realize that dream: Harivansh, Dy Chairman, RS
‘Sanchar Madhyam’ special issue captures evolution of Hindi
journalism and India’s knowledge traditions: Pragya Paliwal
Gaur, VC, IIMC
Posted On: 05 MAY 2026 9:32PM by PIB Delhi
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
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Read this release in: Assamese