Indian Newspaper Day 2025: Date, History, Significance, and Some Interesting Facts

Indian Newspaper Day:  Newspapers are an integral part of the Indian landscape. 29 January is celebrated as the Indian Newspaper Day, to commemorate the publication of India and Asia’s first printed newspaper, an English daily called “Hicky’s Bengal Gazette” or the Calcutta General Advertiser. 

Each year the day is observed to honor the role of newspapers in disseminating information, empowering the common man, and celebrating the fervor of Indian journalism. 

Learn about the history, significance, and some interesting facts about the newspapers in India in the article. 

When is Indian Newspaper Day?

Indian Newspaper Day is celebrated each year on 29 January commemorating the establishment of India’s first printed newspaper “Hicky’s Bengal Gazette” started by an Irishman called James Augustus Hickey in 1780. The first newspaper published in Kolkata, the then capital city of the country, laid the foundation for journalism, empowerment, and access to information about administrative power during the British Raj. 

Who is the father of the Indian press?

James Augustus Hickey is known as the father of the Indian press for establishing the first Indian print daily.

Significance of Newspaper in India 

Newspapers played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the common man and people in administrative power. 

Hicky’s Bengal Gazette made several strides at the time for its unbiased news, and criticism of British Rule’s Governor General Warren Hastings, advocating for the freedom of expression in the country. 

The newspaper was a key element in spreading the word about the atrocious acts of the dictators at the time. Today it holds a significant role in holding the chosen leaders of the country accountable to its voters. 

Some Interesting Facts

Let’s delve into some interesting facts about the newspapers in India. 

• India boasts to be the second-largest newspaper market globally, with over  146,000 registered newspapers and periodicals despite the dwindling readerships all around the world. 
• The largest number of newspapers are published in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
• Dainik Jagran is the most popular daily newspaper in the country that is published in Hindi.
• Apart from Hindi and English,  more than 100 languages’ newspapers are published in India though only 22 main languages are listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Mumbai Samachar (formerly Bombay Samachar) is the oldest existing newspaper in India published for the first time in 1822 in Gujarati.