Growth of Press and Journalism in Odisha: The emergence of press and journalism in Odisha stands as a pivotal moment in its modern history, marking a significant step towards enlightenment and awareness among its people. Christian missionaries played a crucial role in this journey, initiating the story of press and journalism in the state by establishing the first printing press.
As time progressed, Odisha saw the growth of its vernacular press, which played a vital role in communicating information and ideas to the local population. This development also paved the way for the evolution of journalism within the state.
The impact of the press and journalism in Odisha was profound, leading to the rise of socio-political consciousness among the Odia people. Through newspapers, publications, and media outlets, the citizens of Odisha gained access to news, opinions, and debates that shaped their understanding of local and global affairs. This newfound awareness contributed significantly to the socio-political landscape of the state, empowering individuals and communities to engage in discussions and movements for social change and progress.
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The origins of the press and journalism
Baptist missionaries played a crucial role in establishing the first printing press in Odisha. Driven by the goal of spreading Christianity, they began by printing religious texts in the Odia language. In 1837, they founded the ‘Cuttack Printing Press’ in Cuttack, which facilitated the publication of early Odia journals.
Development of Press in Odisha
Odisha’s second printing press, the Cuttack Printing Company, was founded in 1866. Just two years later, in 1868, Fakir Mohan Senapati, with support from the local Zamindar and community, established the third printing press in Balasore. He further expanded his efforts with another press in Balasore in 1873. The period between 1873 and 1899 witnessed a surge in the establishment of presses throughout Odisha.
In Odisha, the growth of vernacular journals and newspapers
The establishment of printing presses marked a turning point for journalism in Odisha. Missionaries led the way, founding a press in 1837 and launching the first Odia newspaper, Kujibara Patrika, that same year. They continued their efforts with journals like Jnanaruna (1849), Prabodha Chandrika, and Arunodaya, focused on spreading religious ideas.
Key Figures and Publications
Inspired by T.E. Ravenshaw, Bichitrananda Das founded the Cuttack Printing Press in 1866. This press published the influential Utkala Dipika, edited by Gauri Shankar Ray until his death in 1917. Fakir Mohan Senapati, known as the ‘Father of Odia Prose,’ established a press in Balasore. With encouragement from John Beams, he published Bodhadayini and Balasore Sambad Vahika (which later became a weekly). The Cuttack Mission Press also contributed, publishing periodicals like Sevak and Samskaraka.
Regional Influence
Western Odisha saw the rise of Sambalpur Hitaisini in 1889, supported by King Sudhaladev. Edited by Nilamani Vidyaratna, it reported news and voiced the concerns of the region, playing a role in the Sambalpur language agitation. To counter Telugu influence, Prajabandhu emerged under Vidyaratna’s editorship and the patronage of Harihara Mardaraj of Khallikote. Raja Baikuntha Nath De of Balasore founded a press in 1873, leading to the publication of Utkala Darpana. Other notable publications included Utkala Madhupa, Utkala Putra, Kohinur Utkal Sahita, Dainika Asha, and Samaj.
English Journals and Newspapers
The rise of printing in Odisha also paved the way for English-language publications. Notable newspapers and journals included:
- Cuttack Argus (1869)
- Cuttack Star (1869)
- Cuttack Standard
- Odisha Patriot (1866)
- Geruem News (1896)
- Star of Utkal (1906-1912)
These publications provide a valuable window into the perspectives of the period.
The press and journalism have an impact.
The preceding publications had a profound effect on the people of Odisha, as discussed below:
- The Sambalpur language agitation gained momentum as a result of the Sambalpur Hitaisini. Other Odia journals have come forward to express their outrage.
- Newspapers and journals exposed the British administration’s flaws and instilled a sense of caution in the populace. The British government also became more circumspect in its dealings with the Odisha public. It instilled a sense of nationalism in the Odia people. The message of nationalism was spread via these newspapers and journals. Through these writings, nationalism was instilled in the body, mind, and soul of the Odia people.
- Newspapers and journals were instrumental in the amalgamation of Odia-speaking tracts. Godabarish Mohapatra’s Utha Kankala poem was a pointer in this direction.
- National programmes commemorating various Gandhian movements, atrocities committed during the Salt Satyagraha, and the Quit India Movement, among others, were published in newspapers and journals. It sparked nationalism and drew the Odisha people into the fold of the national movement.
- Through journals and newspapers, Christian Missionaries and Brahmo Samajists spread their religion. These journals and newspapers played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and the Brahman movement.
- These newspapers and journals increased people’s awareness of daily events. They could learn about a variety of programmes and information about a variety of subjects from these newspapers and journals.
