Deshbandhu Gupta

Early Life and Education

Deshbandhu Gupta was born on 14 June 1901 in Panipat. He began his formal education at the Municipal School and later studied at Arya Vedic High School, Ambala, followed by Hindu College, Delhi.

The orthodox atmosphere at home, the reformist influence of the Arya Samaj, his association with Swami Shraddhanand during imprisonment in Mainwali Jail, and the inspiring leadership of Mahatma Gandhi profoundly shaped his young mind.

Role in the Freedom Movement

Deshbandhu Gupta’s political awakening took place during the turbulent period of the Rowlatt Act and the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The massacre deeply affected him, prompting him to leave college and dedicate himself to the freedom struggle. Responding to Gandhiji’s call, he joined the Non-Cooperation Movement and was subsequently imprisoned.

During this period, he assisted Lala Lajpat Rai in writing articles for the newspaper Bande Mataram, marking the beginning of his lifelong association with journalism.

Contribution to Journalism

In 1923, along with Swami Shraddhanand, Deshbandhu Gupta founded the newspaper Tej, initiating a distinguished career in media. He later became associated with the News Chronicle (now known as The Indian Express) along with Ram Nath Goenka.

He was a founder member and President of the Indian and Eastern Newspapers Society (IENS), now called the Indian Newspaper Society (INS). He also served as President of the All India Newspaper Editors’ Conference (AINEC). In both capacities, he actively safeguarded and promoted the interests of the print media in India.

Untimely Demise and Commemoration

Deshbandhu Gupta’s life was tragically cut short in a plane crash at Kolkata on 21 November 1951.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions to India’s freedom movement and journalism, India Post honoured Deshbandhu Gupta by issuing a commemorative postage stamp, paying tribute to his enduring legacy.