Bengali Journalism - II Paper – Indian Regional Journalism

Raja Rammohun Roy 1772-1833 Was described by Nehru as the founder of Indian Press. Earliest champions of freedom of the Press. Remembered mostly for his strong views on social reforms. Wanted ‘cultural renaissance in Hindu society’ Knew Hindi, Bengali, English, Persian, Sanskrit & Arabic.

Initially entered the Company’s service but later resigned to utilize his time and energy for social reform. Founded Sambad Kaumudi in 1821 Clashed with his Editor, Bhowani Charan Banerjee on the issue of Sati, found him too conservative. Banerjee quit SK and later founded Sambad Chandrika primarily to oppose Roy’s views.

Success of rival newspaper (Samachar Chandrika) forced Roy to close down his paper. Started the newspaper again and ran it till Lord Bentick abolished Sati. Started Persian weekly Mirat Ul Akhbar in 1822. For the benefit of Indians who were not conversant in English or Bengali.

Shut down to protest against the press regulation in 1823. Presented a petition to Supreme Court on behalf of natives protesting against the regulations. But Justice McNaughton ignored the petition. Brought out a religious periodical Brahaminical Magazine – to counteract missionaries propaganda.

From the very beginning, Roy provoked the opposition of the administration who were against his propagation of reforms and religious activities. Dismayed with his persistence and indomitable spirit. Company officials often carried on an active tirade against his close associates. Was considered “unrepresentative of the Hindu opinion”.

Once he realized the massive opposition, kept himself in the background and encouraged others to work under his guidance. Soon, made Bengal, seat of all social and political reforms. Strongly protested the deportation of J S Buckingham. Buckingham gave prominence to native language journals like Bengali and Persian.

Favored the presence of the British Government on many accounts. Believed in the “judicious colonization” of India by Europeans with education and capital in order to expand India’s contacts with the West, especially England’s technical knowledge.

Initially, did not want to end British rule but wanted to increase the advantages for Indians under it. However, believed Indian opinion should be given attention. Wanted to provide Indians the opportunities for higher education.

Wanted to put an end to racial discrimination in court procedures, legislations, admission of Indians to higher level jobs in the administration & most importantly freedom of the Press from arbitrary Govt. restrictions. Was conscious of the extreme backwardness of India. Believed no alternative system of rule could be as advanced and effective as the British’s.

Had his share of detractors. Mainly people who where from conservative sections of society. Associated with 3 journals- The Reformer, The Inquirer, Gyan Auneshun. All represented school of progressive Hindu journalism in the Bengali society till 1831.

Bengali Press

Later years ABP attained high circulation. Aajkal introduced in 1981. Proved immensely popular for its direct and blunt style of presentation of news. 1984 saw the birth of Bartaman. Became very successful. CPI (M)'s Ganashakti.

Each of these was well laid out by international standards and each moved increasingly to expand its readership by catering to the widest possible audience in and around Calcutta. Sports and finance became prominent news topics. Ganashakti was remade in the early 1990s to compete with other newspapers.

Its marriage advertisements were open only to those people who were not seeking dowry. Besides Bengal - sizable circulation in Tripura too.

Language Modern day Bengali newspapers especially the Ananda Bazar Patrika, were credited with having almost completely transformed the Bengali language as it is written and read. They had introduced language that was simple and almost colloqial.

Calcutta-centric? Robin Jeffrey argues that in West Bengal, the newspaper industry remained stuck in Calcutta. ABP, the largest Bengali daily and nationally influential with English-language publications like the daily Telegraph and the weekly Sunday, maintained only a single Calcutta publication centre. It supplied the rest of the state in the leisurely old way – by sending bundles of newspapers by bus, train, taxi, and van.

Reasons behind the same Two perceptions may have played a role: 1. Worthwhile intellectual life was based in Calcutta. 2. No significant market existed in rural Bengal. Both these perceptions began to change by the mid- 1990s.

The demise of old timers Jeffrey discusses newspapers in the context of capitalism. Because Indian-language newspapers were almost all family affairs, they were especially vulnerable to the problems that arise when a new generation in the family takes over. In India – two notable newspapers failed to continue reflecting both the pressure of the changing times and the pitfalls of the family business.

Amrita Bazar Patrika Founded in 1868 as a Bengali newspaper by the Ghosh family. Switched to English in 1878 to escape the Vernacular Press Act. Amrita Bazar Patrika launched its own Bengali daily, Jugantar, in 1937. In the mid-1980s Jugantar was the second largest circulated Bengali daily after ABP. In December 1990, both the papers closed down.

Workers unrest and management’s failure to pay salaries. The family running the newspaper had failed to come to terms with the changed realities – could not introduce new technology and styles of production. The cost of newsprint and salaries increased. Circulation and advertising revenues fell. Taken over by more successful rivals.

These papers were restarted in January1994 having received loans of more than Rs. 10 crores. There were too many people on the payrolls than required. Close to the Congress party. At the end of 1995, both Amrita Bazar Patrika and Jugantar closed again.

Bartaman Patrika Founded in 1984 by Barun Sengupta. Quickly grew to become one of the fastest growing newspapers in West Bengal. Was in close competition with the Ananda Bazar Patrika. Bartaman is the second-most widely read Bengali newspaper after ABP. Represents the breed of newspapers which were started by young capitalists who had the money and passion to start a newspaper and make it succeed.

Apart from the Kolkata edition, the newspaper has four other simultaneous editions, published daily from four major towns of West Bengal – Siliguri, Burdwan, Malda and Midnapore.   The successful approach included sustained attacks on the long-running CPI(M) government.

Aajkaal Published from Kolkata, Siliguri and Agartala. Started in 1981 by Abhik Kumar Ghosh. Aajkaal strives to survive in a very competitive newspaper market. Secured niche created by its leftist perspective and sports news. The first editor of the newspaper was the journalist G.K. Ghosh.