CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: On the occasion of Hindi Journalism Day, the auditorium at Chanakya Bhavan in Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication (MCU) was named after the country’s first Hindi newspaper, “Udant Martand.” The inauguration of the “Udant Martand Auditorium” was done by the University’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. K.G. Suresh, and senior journalist Mahesh Srivastava, the composer of the Madhya Pradesh anthem and a member of the university’s council.
During the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh announced that the university would organize an international-level event in 2026 to mark the 200th anniversary of Udant Martand, with Mahesh Srivastava presiding over it. The head of the journalism department, Sanjeev Gupta, introduced the subject of the special lecture and program titled “Hindi Journalism: Opportunities and Challenges,” organized by the journalism department.
In the event held on Hindi Journalism Day, Prof. Suresh and Mr. Mahesh Srivastava also launched several publications, including the journalism department’s newspaper “Vikalp,” the media management department’s newspaper “Nation Daily,” the mass communication department’s newspaper “Pahal,” the university’s research journal “Media Mimansa,” Sanjay Saxena’s book “Diary Ka Muda Hua Panna,” and a book by senior journalist and former student Satish Elia. A documentary film on Mahesh Srivastava, made by university students Kartikeya Pandey and Aditya Chaurasia, was also shown in the auditorium.
During the event, Mr. Srivastava presented Vice-Chancellor Prof. Suresh with books he had written and edited. Prof. Suresh welcomed him with a memento and a shawl. In his presidential address, Prof. Suresh remarked that the contributions of Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla to Hindi journalism have set a standard that must be upheld. He stated that the university has become synonymous with Hindi journalism and praised Mr. Mahesh Srivastava, urging students to read his works and learn from his approach to principled journalism.
The keynote speaker and senior journalist Mr. Mahesh Srivastava commented that opportunities and challenges in Hindi journalism are two sides of the same coin. He emphasized that journalism, when embraced as a vocation, is highly commendable. The event was conducted by Assistant Professor Lokendra Singh Rajput and the vote of thanks was delivered by Assistant Professor Satendra Dahearia. The program was attended by the university’s registrar Avinash Vajpayee, department heads, faculty, staff, and students.