New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the centenary of Hindustan Times (HT) in New Delhi, acknowledging the newspaper’s historic journey. Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister remarked, “Completing 100 years is a historic accomplishment. I congratulate everyone who has been a part of this journey, overcoming adversity with steadfast dedication.”
HT Media Ltd Chairperson and Hindustan Times Editorial Director, Shobhana Bhartia, thanked the Prime Minister for the gesture, saying, “This milestone marks a significant point in our long journey, and while we celebrate, our mission is far from over.”
Launched by Mahatma Gandhi on September 15, 1924, Hindustan Times initially served as the voice of the freedom movement. It was founded with contributions from the Akalis, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Madan Mohan Malviya, and later taken over by GD Birla at Gandhi’s request. In its early years, it chronicled India’s struggle for independence, offering a platform for debates that shaped the nation’s future.
Over the decades, HT’s pages featured words from icons like Subhas Chandra Bose, Jawaharlal Nehru, Martin Luther King, MS Swaminathan, and Satyajit Ray. In 1936, it launched a Hindi daily, Hindustan. As India grew, HT evolved into a global media conglomerate, introducing digital platforms, launching the business publication Mint, and pioneering data journalism in newsrooms.
Throughout this evolution, HT has stayed true to its mission: to chronicle the country’s progress with accuracy, integrity, and fearlessness. It remains India’s first voice and last word, upholding the values of trust and truth.
Before the stamp release, Prime Minister Modi toured the HT@100 Exhibit, reflecting on the paper’s rich history. He commented, “It was not just an exhibition, but an experience. I saw editions from the day of independence and the birth of the republic, and noted the luminaries who wrote for HT, like Martin Luther King Jr., Subhas Chandra Bose, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.”
The Commemorative Stamp
The commemorative postage stamp was designed by renowned stamp designer Sankha Samanta. The design symbolizes HT’s evolution from 1924 to 2024, with the 1924 edition in the background and the 2024 edition in the foreground, highlighting continuity. The 1924 edition features a line beneath the masthead: “The Only Nationalist Newspaper in North India,” while the modern 2024 edition showcases HT’s ethos with the tagline “First Voice, Last Word.”
The stamp’s design emphasizes the HT brand’s iconic blue, a symbol of truth and simplicity—values championed by Gandhi. The larger-than-usual stamp (39mm x 58mm) ensures that the intricate details are clearly visible, preserving the legacy of one of India’s most iconic newspapers.
