Baburao Vishnu Paradkar (1883-1955) Commemoration

Baburao Vishnu Paradkar

Technical Data

Date of Issue September 14, 1984
Denomination 50 p
Quantity 1,500,000
Perforation comb 13 x 13¼
Printer Security Printing Press, Nashik
Watermark No Watermark
Colors Reddish brown
Catalog Codes

Michel IN 1002

Stamp Number IN 1068A

Yvert et Tellier IN 817

Stanley Gibbons IN 1135

Themes

Baburao Vishnu Paradkar: Veteran Journalist and Freedom Fighter

Baburao Vishnu Paradkar, a stalwart in Hindi journalism and a dedicated freedom fighter, left an indelible mark on India’s literary and nationalist landscape. Born on 16th November 1883 in Varanasi, Paradkar hailed from a scholarly family. His father, Pandit Vishnu Shashtri Paradkar, was a renowned Sanskrit scholar who instilled in Baburao a deep reverence for language and culture.

Early Life and Education

  1. Family Background: Paradkar lost both his parents at a young age, which shaped his early years significantly.
  2. Education and Career Beginnings:
    • He completed his FA Examination from Tej Narayan College, Bhagalpur.
    • Despite personal losses, he persevered by working in the Postal Department and engaging in tuition to support himself.

Contribution to Journalism and Freedom Movement

  1. Entry into Journalism:
    • Association with Revolutionaries: Inspired by his uncle Sakharam Ganesh Deuskar, Paradkar embraced journalism as a means to serve the nation.
    • Editorial Roles: He began his editorial journey with ‘Hindi Bangwasi’ as an Assistant Editor in 1906, later editing ‘Hitwarta’ and becoming a key editor at ‘Bharatmitra’ in 1910.
  2. Arrest and Imprisonment:
    • Accusations and Imprisonment: Paradkar was arrested in 1916 on charges related to revolution and spent three and a half years in prison, demonstrating his commitment to the nationalist cause.
  3. Editorial Leadership:
    • ‘Aj’ and ‘Sansar’: Paradkar’s pivotal role began in 1920 when he joined ‘Aj’ under Shri Shiv Prasad Gupta’s patronage. He later returned to ‘Aj’ after a brief stint at ‘Sansar’.
    • Influence and Ideals: Known for his incisive editorials, Paradkar advocated for India’s freedom struggle and the promotion of Hindi as the national language (‘Rashtrabhasha’).

Legacy and Contributions

  1. Literary Contributions:
    • Language Enrichment: Paradkar introduced numerous new words like ‘Rashtrapati’ and ‘Sarvashri’ into Hindi through his editorials, contributing significantly to the language’s development.
    • Editorial Style: His editorials were not only critical but also visionary, influencing a new generation of Hindi writers and thinkers.
  2. Public Service:
    • Conferences and Publications: Paradkar chaired the First Conference of Hindi Editors in 1925 and presided over the Simla Sahitya Sammelan in 1938.
    • Magazines: He also initiated publications like ‘Ranbheri’ and edited ‘Kamala’, a magazine aimed at women’s issues and empowerment.
  3. Final Years:
    • Passing: Baburao Vishnu Paradkar passed away on 12th January 1955, leaving behind a rich legacy in Hindi journalism and nationalist fervor.

Commemoration

The Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department pays tribute to Pandit Baburao Vishnu Paradkar’s contributions with a commemorative stamp, recognizing his lifelong dedication to Hindi language, literature, and India’s freedom struggle. His unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and cultural enrichment continues to inspire generations.

Baburao Vishnu Paradkar’s journey from a young revolutionary to a prominent figure in Hindi journalism is a testament to his enduring legacy in India’s literary and nationalist history. His contributions, celebrated through this commemorative stamp, serve as a beacon for future journalists and language enthusiasts alike.