Agra/Mathura Jan 29 (IANS) The contribution of James Augustus Hickey, an Irishman, who laid the foundation and parameters of journalism in India through the columns of his weekly Bengal Gazette, the first Indian newspaper published from Kolkata Jan 29, 1779, was recalled by journalism students and senior scribes of the Taj city at a function.
Journalists said it was difficult to ignore the contribution of Hickey, whose anti-establishment writings and what some call "scandalous outbursts against the rulers of the day", won him many admirers.
Ram Kishore, author and activist from Lucknow, said students of journalism can feel inspired by reading about this man who laid the foundation of journalism in our country.
Free press in India owes a debt of gratitude to James Augustus Hickey, the man who almost single-handedly faced the might of the British Empire in India to espouse the cause of free expression and reining in of the government by the voice of the people, exposing the actions of the government, and making public the dirty deals.
Former president of the Agra Press Club Rajiv Saxena said: "We should not forget Indian journalism's baptism by fire and struggle. The media has to be sensitized and made aware of its immense responsibilities. The likes of Hickey beckon us to strive towards that end."
Senior journalist Hemendra Chaturvedi said: "Hickey seems much more relevant today. The crusader and fighter that Hickey was, remains an inspiration to the new generation of journalists."
Madhukar Pandit, writer, said Hickey was considered a highly eccentric Irishman.
His memoirist William Hickey tells us that James allowed Bengal Gazette "to become the channel of personal invective, and the most scurrilous abuse of individuals of all ranks, high and low, rich and poor, many were attacked in the most wanton and cruel manner".
At a meeting in Mathura, local scribes said the growth of the media undoubtedly had been impressive, but some negative trends were cause for concern and alarm.
Pavan Gautam said our mass media has to be sensitized to the needs of the masses and should not remain glued to economic interests and ape the western media.
Health Ministry Reviews Swine Flu Situation
New Delhi, Feb 6 (IANS) The union health ministry Friday reviewed the swine flu situation in various states, including Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat.The meeting was chaired by additional
Long-distance travel by train has become costlier today, Railways has increased fares after 5 years; Know how much the travel has become costlier
The government has approved the Railway Board's proposal to increase the fare in long distance train travel. The increased fare of trains will come into effect from July 1.
Recovery of IEDs averts major tragedy in Kashmir
Srinagar, Feb 22 (IANS) A timely detection of three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other arms and ammunition by the army late Saturday averted a major tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir's
Why is there heavy rain in September, from farmers to winter season will be affected
Monsoon is departing late this year. 2021 is the second consecutive year when the month of September is recording heavy rains. In such a situation, from the crops of the farmers, its effect will also
Statue of Sachin Tendulkar will be installed at Wankhede Stadium: It will be unveiled during the ODI World Cup in November, on this ground Tendulkar played the last international match
Mumbai Cricket Association has taken a big decision. The association is going to install a statue of Sachin Tendulkar at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sachin is going to be 50 years old on 24th
Rakesh Tikait said - Government of India will agree in 3 years, all three new agricultural laws will be returned before 2024
In September last year, farmers' protest around the national capital Delhi has been going on for more than six months against three new agricultural reform laws passed by Parliament. Despite the
Delhi Weather Update: Weather changed in Delhi-NCR, darkness spread due to thick clouds, light rain started at many places
After heavy rain on Wednesday night in Delhi and NCR, light rain continued on Thursday as well. Even today, dark clouds have been covering the sky since morning. Faridabad has received light rain.
Health Alert: As harmful as increasing blood sugar, its decreasing is even more dangerous, know what could be the problems?
Increasing blood sugar levels is considered harmful for the body, it is a problem of diabetes. If your blood sugar level is often high, then due to this problems can increase for many organs of the
Weather Update: No relief from the heatwave in North and Central India, there will be severe heat in the next few days; Know- Latest Weather Forecast
The mercury is rising rapidly in North India. Heat wave conditions persist in many states. But people in north-east Bihar can expect some relief from the rising mercury. According to the
IPL 2022 Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: This may be the playing XI of both the teams, will Ashwin and Chahal be seen playing together?
IPL 2022 Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: In the Indian Premier League (IPL), the match between Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad is to be played from 7:30 pm today. This will be the
