Lokmat launches in New Delhi edition as it enters its Centenary Year

Lokmat, Maharashtra & Goa’s leading newspaper, launched its New Delhi edition yesterday in New Delhi at a special inauguration attended by the political glitterati in presence of M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India; Dr Manmohan Singh, MP & Former Prime Minister of India; Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister; Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister of Road, Transport & Highways, Shipping & Water Resources; Prakash Javedkar, Union HRD Minister; Ravi Prasad, Union Minister of IT; Chowdhury Birender Singh, Minister of Steel; and PJ Kurian, Rajya Sabha Vice Chairman. Later, the evening was attended by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. 

Speaking at the launch, Vijay Darda, Chairman, Lokmat Media Group, said, “It is a moment of immense pride for all of us at Lokmat Media Group, we thank our readers as we step into our Centenary Year. Rooted in nationalism, Lokmat has always stood by values, fearless journalism and its people. We thank our readers who have made us No. 1 Marathi daily of the country and hope to continue our legacy in New Delhi as well.” 

Stressing on the use of regional language, Venkaiah Naidu said, “Families must converse in their own regional language at home. Language and emotions move together better when conversed in the mother tongue. I was educated in the regional medium and I am very proud of it and I feel one should respect - Mother who has given you birth, Motherland - place where you are born, Mother tongue, the country to which you belong to.” 

He further affirmed, “Information with confirmation is very important - Views and news must not be mixed together. Sensationalism should end, nationalism must be given the importance. News is public good, use the power to influence wisely - use it get to the truth. Satyam - Truth, Shivam - for the greater good - Sunderam - in a beautiful manner.” 

Dr Manmohan Singh added here, “Media has a great role to play in our democracy especially in these times where there are forces that always want to curb the role of media. The task of the media should be such that facts are stated and opinions are free. My prayer is that Lokmat Group of newspapers will live up to this very important maxim.” 

Welcoming the Lokmat Group to Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal said, “I am very happy that Marathi people in Delhi can read Lokmat now and get news in their language. I am confident that Lokmat will combat all challenges and bring out the truth in front of people. I pray that Lokmat makes a mark of honest and true journalism across all cities in India.” 

Nitin Gadkari remarked, “Lokmat has always ensured that democracy has been made successful by picking up issues that affect the society. Lokmat has always ensured that the flag of honest journalism is always held high. This a great start to get the Marathi paper and news to Marathi people in Delhi. I wish Lokmat all the best.”