Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper is an enthralling account of a landmark Urdu newspaper and its significant role in India’s fight for independence. Launched in 1919 by Mahashay Krishan, the newspaper quickly became a staunch adversary to British colonial rule. Its bold and fearless reporting, often criticizing the British government, earned it not only widespread respect but also the ire of the British administration. This book traces the newspaper’s journey through the eyes of its founders and editors—Krishan, his son Virendra, and his grandson Chander—showcasing the passion and commitment they shared for both journalism and India’s freedom.
The narrative provides an intimate look at Pratap’s evolution, detailing key moments from its early days of defiance. One of the most gripping stories is how the British administration shut down the paper for a year within twelve days of its launch in 1919. This early censorship was only the beginning of many such struggles, with the paper’s editors repeatedly arrested and persecuted for their editorial stance. In 1983, a parcel bomb was even sent to the office of the paper, underscoring the lengths to which opponents of free speech would go.
The book also covers Pratap’s continuing relevance post-independence, documenting its coverage of important historical events such as the Emergency and Operation Blue Star. It highlights the ongoing struggles for press freedom, echoing the newspaper’s long history of challenging authority and speaking truth to power.
A fascinating and comprehensive narrative, Pratap not only celebrates the legacy of one of India’s most iconic newspapers but also serves as a poignant reminder of the vital role of journalism in any democracy. A must-read for anyone interested in India’s independence, its post-independence history, or the evolution of its press.
Published by HarperCollins India, ‘Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper’ by Chander Mohan and Jyotsna Mohan, will be released on 27 March on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online platform for launching non-fiction books.
Chander Mohan, a seasoned journalist and columnist, served as the esteemed editor of the Hindi daily Vir Pratap for forty years. Born in Lahore, Punjab, before Partition, he became a prominent voice in Hindi journalism in North India, known for his bold and incisive editorials. From being part of Rajiv Gandhi’s press team to traveling to Lahore with Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chander Mohan has witnessed several transformative political and media eras. Now semi-retired, he writes the weekly column ‘Maryadain’ for a national newspaper while overseeing educational institutions in Jalandhar. Journalism and education are his twin passions, and he skillfully intertwines both in his life.
With nearly 30 years of experience in TV, print, and digital media, Jyotsna Mohan has consistently strived to reflect society’s realities. Her debut book, Stoned, Shamed, Depressed, became an Amazon bestseller, offering an insightful exploration of the hidden struggles faced by India’s teens—a narrative that resonates with young people worldwide. As a columnist for national and international publications, her writings address societal issues and challenge established norms, a legacy she attributes to her family. She brings this perspective to her online talk show, ‘Table Talk with Jo’. Born in Jalandhar, Jyotsna now lives in Abu Dhabi with her husband and two children.
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