He was a pioneer of social reform through journalism in Bombay. He sta...
• Balshastri Jambhekar (1812-1846) was a pioneer of social reform through journalism in Bombay; he attacked brahminical orthodoxy and tried to reform popular Hinduism.
• He started the newspaper Darpan in 1832. He is known as the father of Marathi journalism. In 1840, he started Digdarshan which published articles on scientific subjects as well as history.
• Jambhekar founded the Bombay Native General Library and started the Native Improvement Society of which an offshoot was the Students Literary and Scientific Library.
• He was the first professor of Hindi at the Elphinston College, besides being a director of the Colaba Observatory.
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He was a pioneer of social reform through journalism in Bombay. He sta...
Introduction:
The personality being described above is Balshastri Jambhekar. He was a pioneer of social reform through journalism in Bombay. Jambhekar started the newspaper Darpan and is known as the father of Marathi journalism. He also founded the Bombay Native General Library.
Background:
Balshastri Jambhekar was born on 6 January 1812 in the village of Sheri in Maharashtra. He completed his education in Sanskrit, Marathi, and English. Jambhekar was deeply influenced by the social and political changes happening during the British colonial rule. He was a prominent figure in the social reform movement in Bombay during the 19th century.
Establishment of Darpan:
In 1832, Balshastri Jambhekar started the first Marathi newspaper called Darpan. The newspaper aimed to create awareness among the masses and promote social reform. It covered various topics such as education, women's rights, widow remarriage, and caste discrimination. Darpan played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and initiating discussions on social issues.
Father of Marathi Journalism:
Balshastri Jambhekar is widely regarded as the father of Marathi journalism. His efforts in starting Darpan and using it as a platform for social reform set a precedent for future journalists and newspapers in Maharashtra. Jambhekar's contributions to Marathi journalism were instrumental in promoting literacy, education, and awareness among the masses.
Foundation of Bombay Native General Library:
In 1845, Balshastri Jambhekar founded the Bombay Native General Library. The library aimed to provide access to knowledge and education to the public, regardless of their social or economic background. It played a significant role in promoting reading and intellectual growth among the people of Bombay.
Conclusion:
Balshastri Jambhekar was a prominent figure in the social reform movement in Bombay during the 19th century. He pioneered social reform through journalism by starting the newspaper Darpan. He is known as the father of Marathi journalism and founded the Bombay Native General Library. Jambhekar's contributions had a lasting impact on the society of Bombay and his work continues to be remembered and celebrated.
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