A newspaper carries great significance no matter how much the trends and scenarios change.
The first-ever newspaper in India was called 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette', also known as 'Calcutta General Advertiser'.
It was printed on 29th January 1780 in Kolkata which was the capital of India at that time.
During the time when a news took days to reach the target audience, newspapers changed how things functioned.
Print was the only medium which was not unaffordable and carried relevant information.
Hicky's Bengal Gazette was the first newspaper to be printed in Asia. It's publication was stopped in 1782 as the British were aware of the damage the newspapers could do to their regime.
What was the Bengal Gazette known for?
Founded by an Irishman named James Augustus Hicky, the newspaper was known for expressing everything freely in an unbiased manner which didn't go down well with the British. The newspaper was a strong critic of the administration of Governor General Warren Hastings. The newspaper was important for its provocative journalism and its fight for free expression in India.
Hicky's Bengal Gazette was a weekly newspaper but its inception started the much needed change. News started reaching every household and it was a major step towards brining the common man closer to the ones in power.
What was the writing style of the Bengal Gazette like?
Hicky’s Bengal Gazette was known for its sarcastic and provocative writing style. Unlike many newspapers of its time, the newspaper discussed taboo topics and proto-class consciousness, arguing for the rights of the poor and the right to taxation with representation.
Newspapers carrying visuals and research backed powerful articles played a major role in transforming the way people perceived everything. It became easier for the public to analyze what was beneficial for them and what was not.
The newspaper became famous not only among the British soldiers posted in India at that time but also inspired Indians to write newspapers of their own.
On 29th January, it is important to pay tributes to the print media industry which played a huge role in erasing myths and inspiring younger generations to bring a positive change in the society.
