Raipur, 19 June 2023
Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel paid tribute to the father of journalism and litterateur in Chhattisgarh, Pandit Madhavrao Sapre on his birth anniversary by garlanding his photograph at his residence office today. Remembering Sapre ji, Chief Minister Mr. Baghel said that Chhattisgarh’s journalism is getting prosperous today only on the foundation laid by Sapre ji. Sapre ji has also made an invaluable contribution in developing national and literary consciousness in Chhattisgarh. During the freedom struggle, his writings guided hundreds of Satyagrahis and inspired patriotism. Sapre ji’s creative and valuable writing has given a new direction to journalism in Chhattisgarh.
Mr. Baghel said that Sapre ji remained engaged in the service of the country and literature throughout his life. Many of his articles and works were published. He gave birth to many institutions through which people came forward to serve the country and the people. In 1900, when there were not enough facilities and modern technology for publication, he started editing and publishing the monthly Hindi newspaper ‘Chhattisgarh Mitra’ in Pendra with the help of Wamanrao Lakhe ji and Ramrao Chincholkar ji. The story ‘Tokri Bhar Mitti’ composed by Sapre ji has the distinction of being the first original Hindi story in Indian literature. The Chief Minister said that the personality and work of Sapre ji is inspirational for the general public including litterateurs and journalists.
