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Achyutanand Mishra is the Undisputed Stalwart of Journalism
New Delhi:
On the occasion of the birthday of senior journalist, editor, and renowned litterateur Shri Achyutanand Mishra, a book highlighting his exceptional personality, prolific work, and visionary leadership, ‘Achyutanand Mishra: Samaveshi Shabd Sadhak’, was ceremoniously launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). Edited by Dr. Manishchandra Shukla and published by Pralek Prakashan, Mumbai, this insightful work received a dignified release by prominent figures including IGNCA President Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Head of the Kalanidhi Division and Dean (Administration) Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, founder-coordinator of Madhavrao Sapre Museum, Bhopal, Shri Vijaydutt Sridhar, Mantri Sanchalak of Madhya Pradesh Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti, Bhopal, Shri Kailashchandra Pant, and eminent litterateur Prof. Chandrakala Tripathi. Shri Achyutanand Mishra himself graced the occasion with his esteemed presence. The event also saw the participation of the book’s editor, Dr. Manishchandra Shukla, and its publisher, Shri Jitendra Patro, further lending an aura of significance to this celebratory moment.
During the programme, litterateurs and journalists associated with Achyutananda Mishra reminisced about their experiences with him. While each recollection was unique, a unanimous sentiment emerged: Achyutananda Ji, like the elder of a family, exhibited immense care and inclusivity. People could confide in him, sharing both joys and sorrows without hesitation. His warmth and sense of belonging were truly remarkable. Prof. Ramashray Ratnesh, a noted Professor of Hindi, highlighted his exceptional decision-making skills and magnetic personality. Senior journalist Arun Tripathi remarked that Achyutananda Ji is ‘ajatshatru’ (stalwart in journalism). Other notable speakers included Shri Rajkumar Singh, Editor of ‘Tribune’, Chandigarh; Prof. Govind Singh, senior journalist, and former professor IIMC; Mr. Balendu Sharma Dadhich, Director at Microsoft; Senior Journalist Mr. Sant Sameer; Prof. Pramod Kumar from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication; eminent litterateur Mrs. Neerja Madhav; Mr. Abhay Pratap of Shri Acharya Kripalani Memorial Trust; senior journalist Mr. Umesh Chaturvedi; and acclaimed litterateur Mr. Jyotish Joshi. All shared heartfelt memories and wished for Achyutananda Ji’s long life, expressing hopes that he lives to be a centenarian.
Shri Achyutanand Mishra expressed heartfelt gratitude towards all the speakers, humbly attributing the kind adjectives used for him to their affection. He remarked, “I have not done anything new, nor anything extraordinary. I am one among you all, and you all are very dear to me.” Reflecting on journalists and editors of both past and present, he highlighted the persistent struggles faced by editors across generations. He said, “From Bharatendu Harishchandra to Pt. Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, the journalists of that era were truly remarkable. However, in the generation that followed after 1950, when I speak of 1950, stalwarts like Paradkar Ji and Agyeya Ji were still alive. All the new-generation editors of that time also faced immense challenges.”
He further said, “We have also seen those editors; this has happened before us. Be it Agyeya Ji, Vidyanivas Mishra Ji, Manohar Shyam Joshi, or even Prabhash Joshi himself—how their management humiliated them, under what conditions they were kept these instances are vivid in our memory. In the current state of Hindi journalism, under the guise of technology, the owners first altered their perspectives and then changed the circumstances. I remember, that after the advent of electronic media following print media, there was a belief that print media would become obsolete with the rise of electronic platforms. But today, we see the transition has moved even further to digital media. At every stage, editors have had to endure struggles, as the role of the owners has evolved. Even after independence, the editors I mentioned bore witness to these struggles and actively experienced them. Today’s editors, however, align themselves with the owners and operate according to their directions. They no longer take a stand for their colleagues and interact with them only after aligning with the owners’ interests.”
Presiding over the program, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai remarked that none of the views expressed by the speakers about Achyutanand ji had been exaggerated. On the contrary, he emphasized that Achyutanand Ji’s personality and work are truly remarkable. “Every individual is unique but is integral to Achyutanand ji, and this uniqueness is visible here, as is the unity he represents,” he noted. He further stated that although all the involved parties have been included in the book, it is crucial to reveal to the people the support that Achyutanand ji extended to the people’s movements during his time as a journalist and editor. This aspect, he emphasized, should be documented in an autobiographical account. Shri Rai also highlighted Mahasweta Devi ji’s first article on Achyutanand ji featured in the book. “Today, Mahasweta ji has raised the question of how to nurture the desired thoughts, and if anyone can provide the answer, it is Shri Achyutanand Mishra,” he added, wishing that Achyutanand ji lives for a century, stays healthy, and continues to guide the people in this way.
Shri Kailash Chandra Pant, Mantri Sanchalak of Madhya Pradesh Rashtrabhasha Prachar Samiti, fondly reminisced about his close association with Achyutanand Mishra ji, highlighting the depth of their bond. He observed that, as reflected in the title of the book, Achyutanand ji embodies the essence of a seeker of inclusive words. The cultivation of words, he remarked, is akin to the practice of Brahma. When words are nurtured, the seeker attains inclusivity, embracing the vastness of thought and expression. Without words, he emphasized, no thought can germinate, for words are the very medium through which ideas find their existence.
Founder-Coordinator of Sapre Museum, Bhopal, Shri Vijaydutt Shridhar ji shared several inspiring reminiscences about Achyutanand Mishra ji. He expressed, “I share a deep connection with him. Meeting him broadened my previously one-sided perspective. The enriching experiences and learnings I gained at Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Journalism and Communication University during his tenure as Vice-Chancellor are unforgettable. For all of that, the credit belongs solely to Achyuta ji.”
Member Secretary of IGNCA, Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, shared some heartfelt recollections about Achyutanand ji, including a memorable incident involving a kurta. He reminisced, “Achyuta ji once asked me my kurta size, and later he brought me a very beautiful kurta. I am wearing that very kurta today. Remarkably, the color of the kurta has not faded over time; instead, it has grown richer. In much the same way, my relationship with Achyuta ji has only deepened over the years. This bond is truly a relationship for life.” Similarly, Prof. Chandrakala Tripathi reflected, saying, “Uncle Ji (Achyutanand Mishra) always cared deeply for everyone. He has imparted countless life lessons to me, which I cherish profoundly.”
Earlier, Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, while delivering the welcome address, extended heartfelt birthday wishes to Achyutanand Mishra ji and warmly introduced the esteemed guests. Prof. Kripashankar Choubey from Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University delivered the introductory remarks and moderated the program, weaving in some of his own cherished memories. Finally, Dr. Manishchandra Shukla, the editor of the book, concluded by expressing deep gratitude to the guests and attendees. He also shared reflections on his personal bond with Achyutanand Mishra ji, highlighting the inspiration drawn from their association.
About the book:
Renowned journalist and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, has eloquently expressed his views about the book on its flap. He writes, “This book delves into the remarkable personality, work, and leadership of the distinguished journalist, writer, and editor Achyutanand Mishra. It highlights how Mishra ji fulfilled the responsibilities of an exemplary editor in prestigious newspapers such as ‘Navbharat Times’, ‘Jansatta’, ‘Amar Ujala’, and ‘Lokmat Samachar’. It also chronicles his tenure as Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication, Bhopal, showcasing how he preserved the history of Hindi journalism in independent India through his innovations and experiments. Moreover, it sheds light on his impactful contributions as the General Secretary and National President of the National Union of Journalists over a significant period.
The first section of this book evaluates the creative contributions of Mishra Ji. It includes critiques of his original books ‘Sarokaron ke Daayare’, ‘Teen Shreshth Kaviyon ka Hindi Patrakarita mein Avdaan’, ‘Kuch Sapne, Kuch Sansmaran’ and his edited collections ‘Hindi ke Pramukh Samacharpatra aur Patrikayen’ (four volumes) and ‘Patron mein Samay Sanskriti’. The second section focuses on the multifaceted personality of Mishra Ji. The third section, titled ‘Jansatta Parivar’, presents a consolidated account of his persona and achievements as shared by journalists who were his colleagues. The fourth section features selected works of Achyutanand Mishra. The fifth section, ‘Samvaad’, includes dialogues between Achyutanand Mishra and several eminent scholars.
This book will undoubtedly prove useful for journalists, journalism students, and researchers.
