Bicentenary of Publication of “Mumbai Samachar”
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | June 14, 2022 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 301,600 |
| Perforation | comb 14½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Catalog Codes |
Yvert et Tellier IN 3481 Stanley Gibbons IN 3817 |
| Themes | Anniversaries and Jubilees | Newspapers |
Mumbai Samachar is Asia’s oldest existing newspaper. First published on 1st July, 1822, the headquarter of this Gurjarati newspaper was visited by Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for discussion on important issues. On 1st July, 2021, the newspaper has entered in the 200th year of publication.
Newspaper are an essential part of modern civilization. They inform us about the latest developments that are taking place in the world. They also guide us and mould public opinion on issues of national and international importance. Newspapers provide space for public grievances and educate citizens on good citizenship and ethics.
Mumbai Samachar in its initial phase catered to the thriving business community of the city and provided business-related news, death announcements, and especially shipping time-tables as all trade was conducted through the Bombay port. A weekly till 1832, a bi-weekly till 1855, and then on to a full-fledged daily, the newspaper became a favourite of the Gujarati community comprising Parsis, Hindus, Jain, Dawoodi Bohras, Khojas and Memons, etc.
With a daily circulation of barely 15,000 copies in the 1930s, now it sells at least 10 times more. After Asia’s first bourse, the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) started working in 1875, the “Mumbai Samachar” provided well-researched daily reports on the ups-and-downs till the 1990s Mumbai Samachar was eagerly lapped up by the investor community. Mr. Pinki Dalal became the first ever women editor for Gujarati Daily.
Mumbai Samachar has successfully overcome the brunt of digital media due to its credibility and adherence to its original values. Even today, authenticity of the news is the first priority of the newspaper. It continuously provides vast informative and educational material through its daily supplements. The newspaper has taken a number of initiatives to promote Gujarati language, literature and tradition. The daily has also mentored many young journalists who are doing very well in the field of Gujarati and regional language journalism.
Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on completion of 200 years of publication of Mumbai Samachar.