“For the Preservation of Heritage, it is imperative to build Economic Strength”: Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha
New Delhi: The Kala Nidhi Division of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), under its IGNCA Book Circle series, launched the book ‘Videsh Mein Hindi Patrkarita: 27 Deshon Ki Hindi Patrkarita ka Sinhwalokan’ authored by Dr. Jawahar Karnawat. The chief guest at the event was Hon’ble Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, with Shri Vijay Dutt, Founder of the SAPRAY Museum in Bhopal, as the special guest. Other notable speakers included Shri Anil Joshi, Chairman of Vaishwavik Hindi Parivar and Smt. Alka Sinha, writer and author. Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean (Administration) and HoD Kala Nidhi, introduced the event and the book to the audience. The book was launched on the occasion of Hindi Journalism Day. The book, published by the National Book Trust, was the focus of an in-depth discussion. The event asserted the book’s extensive research and global perspective on Hindi journalism, providing valuable insights and fostering intellectual discourse among the attendees.
On this occasion Shri Harivansh remarked that this book presents a description of 120 years of Hindi journalism in foreign countries, painstakingly compiled by the author, Dr. Jawahar Karnawat, over more than two decades of labour and research. He lauded the efforts of the IGNCA Book Circle, stating, “This is an arduous attempt in creating intellectual consciousness among the people and intelligentsia.” He further emphasized that the book in discussion is a comprehensive reference and resource book, deserving to be categorized as a well-researched academic work. He reiterated that any country’s native language journalism derives strength from the nation’s economic status. He stated that this book serves as a reference for future writers and emphasized the correlation between a country’s native languages journalism and its economic status, asserting, “Any country’s native languages journalism gains strength from the economic situation of the nation.” Drawing parallels with Gandhi’s Indian Opinion and other writings, he highlighted how Gandhi Ji always advocated for critical engagement with issues and not individuals. He stressed the importance of preserving the prosperous past of our country and drawing inspiration from it for the future, highlighting the need to become economically powerful. He concluded by stating that this book educates contemporary readers about the global perspective of Hindi journalism, enriching their understanding in today’s times.
On this occasion, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai began his address by requesting the author to consider naming the next edition of the book as ‘Duniya Bhar Mein Hindi Patrakarita’. He shared that Hindi journalism in Singapore was initiated by soldiers. He remarked that while reading the book, one would feel that Hindi journalism is a thread of love that starts from India, travels across the world, and comes back to India, forming a circle.
Shri Vijay Dutt Shridhar mentioned that one definition of journalism is that news is what someone wants to hide; the rest is publicity. The indentured labourers who went abroad took Hindi with them. These were the Indians who embarked on a cultural journey to recreate their homeland in foreign lands. The significant contribution of newspapers and magazines to that journey is magnificently detailed in this book. Shri Anil Joshi stated that Hindi journalism abroad is journalism of resistance, struggle, and rebellion. Discussing the development of Hindi journalism overseas, he mentioned that there are several phases of Hindi journalism abroad.
Dr. Jawahar Karnawat, the author of the book, provided a detailed insight into its essence, emphasizing the vast reach of Hindi and the importance of furthering its stature. He highlighted Hindi’s pervasive presence across the globe and accentuated the need for concerted efforts to augment its esteem. Dr. Karnawat mentioned the rigorous research undertaken to ensure accuracy in crafting the book. Drawing parallels between Hindi journalism in India and abroad, he noted the significant contributions made by Hindi publications, akin to their role during the Indian independence movement.
Renowned author Smt. Alka Saxena also contributed her insights during the book discussion event. The program was anchored and the vote of thanks was extended by Mr. Deepak Kumar Bhardwaj of the IGNCA Media Centre.