“Mumbai Samachar is the philosophy and expression of India”
“From the freedom movement to the Navnirman of India, the contribution of Parsi sisters and brothers is huge”
“As much as the media has the right to criticize, it also has an equally important responsibility to bring positive news to the fore”
“Positive contribution of India's media helped India a lot in dealing with the pandemic”

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in Dwishatabdi Mahotsav of Mumbai Samachar in Mumbai today. He also released a postal stamp to commemorate the occasion.

The Prime Minister wished all the readers, journalists and staff of Mumbai Samachar on the 200th anniversary of this historic newspaper. He lauded the fact that in these two centuries, the lives of many generations, and their concerns have been given voice by Mumbai Samachar. The Prime Minister remarked that Mumbai Samachar also gave voice to the freedom movement and then also took 75 years of independent India to readers of all ages. The medium of language was definitely Gujarati, but the concern was national, he said. The Prime Minister mentioned that even Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel used to quote Mumbai Samachar and noted the happy coincidence of this anniversary falling in the 75th year of India’s independence. “Therefore, on this occasion of today, we are not only celebrating the high standards of journalism of India and journalism related to the concern of patriotism, but this event is also adding to the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav”. The Prime Minister also remembered the glorious contribution of journalism in the freedom struggle and re-establishment of democracy after the emergency period.

The Prime Minister recalled that when the city became Bombay, under the influence of foreigners, even then Mumbai Samachar did not leave its local connect and connection with its roots. It was a common Mumbaikar's newspaper even then and it is the same today - Mumbai Samachar. He added that Mumbai Samachar is not just a news medium, but a heritage. Mumbai Samachar is the philosophy and expression of India. He said we get a glimpse of how India has stood firm despite every storm in Mumbai Samachar.

The Prime Minister recalled that when the Mumbai Samachar started, the darkness of slavery was getting deeper. It was not so easy to get a newspaper in an Indian language like Gujarati in that period. Mumbai Samachar expanded linguistic journalism in that era.

The Prime Minister said that India's history of thousands of years teaches us a lot. Emphasizing the welcoming nature of this land, the Prime Minister mentioned that whoever came here, Maa Bharati gave ample opportunity to all to flourish in her lap. “What can be a better example than the Parsi community?” he asked. He added that from the freedom movement to the Navnirman of India, the contribution of Parsi sisters and brothers is huge. The community is one of the smallest in the country in terms of numbers, a micro-minority in a way, but huge in terms of capacity and service, he added.

The Prime Minister remarked that the work of newspapers and media is to deliver news, and educate the public and if there are some shortcomings in society and government, then it is their responsibility to bring them to the fore. As much as the media has the right to criticize, it also has an equally important responsibility to bring positive news to the fore.

The Prime Minister said the way journalists worked like karmayogis in the interest of the nation during the Corona period in the last two years, will be remembered forever. The positive contribution of India's media helped India a lot in dealing with this biggest crisis of 100 years. He also lauded the media's role in promoting initiatives like digital payment and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The Prime Minister said this country is a country of a rich tradition that is carried forward through the medium of debates and discussions. “For thousands of years, we have conducted healthy debate, healthy criticism and right reasoning as a part of the social system. We have open and healthy discussions on very difficult social topics. This has been the practice of India, which we have to strengthen”, he said.

The printing of Mumbai Samachar as a weekly was started on 1st July 1822 by Shri Fardunjee Marzbanji. It, later on, became a daily in 1832. The newspaper has been published continuously for 200 years.

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Booth strength, people’s trust and grassroots outreach - PM Modi’s interaction with BJP Karyakartas from West Bengal
April 14, 2026
The citizens across West Bengal have described the BJP’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto) as practical, implementable and focused on holistic development and welfare: PM Modi
PM Modi constantly reiterated to the BJP karyakartas of West Bengal that booth-level strength is the foundation of electoral success
The scale of victory in West Bengal will directly translate into relief and better governance for its people: PM Modi to BJP karyakartas

PM Modi interacted with BJP karyakartas from across West Bengal under the ‘Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot’ initiative, extending his best wishes for the Bengali New Year to all citizens of the state.


During the interaction, the PM reflected on his recent visits across various parts of West Bengal, highlighting the remarkable enthusiasm, energy and growing support for the BJP among the people. He credited this momentum to the tireless efforts and dedication of booth-level karyakartas.

The PM appreciated the positive response to the BJP’s Sankalp Patra (manifesto), stating that citizens across the state have described it as practical, implementable, and focused on holistic development and welfare.

During the interaction, several karyakartas shared their on-the-ground experiences, highlighting key concerns among the people, including safety, employment, corruption, political violence, and governance challenges. Women karyakartas spoke about concerns over security and dignity, while youth-related issues such as migration due to lack of opportunities were also raised.

PM Modi acknowledged these concerns and emphasised the need for continuous engagement with citizens at the grassroots level. He urged karyakartas to strengthen booth-level organisation through regular outreach and small group meetings, actively connect with women, youth, farmers and first-time voters , clearly communicate the benefits and vision outlined by the BJP, ensure transparency, development and safety, use social media and digital tools effectively to amplify facts and counter misinformation.
He also stressed the importance of documenting and communicating local issues, ensuring that the voices of the people are consistently heard and represented.

The PM constantly reiterated that booth-level strength is the foundation of electoral success, stating that “Booth jeeta, toh chunav jeeta.” He expressed confidence that the growing trust of the people in BJP presents a significant opportunity to bring transformation in West Bengal.

Concluding the interaction, PM Modi said that the scale of victory in West Bengal will directly translate into relief and better governance for its people. He encouraged all karyakartas to work with renewed energy, expand outreach, and ensure that every household becomes a partner in this journey of development.