Narendra Mohan Gupta: A Symbol Of Nationalism, Celebrated For His Leadership And Literary Brilliance

The Jagran Sahitya Srijan Samman will be presented on October 10 in memory of Dainik Jagran’s former Chief Editor Narendra Mohan Gupta. The felicitation ceremony will be held at Sovereign Hall–1, Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi, on Friday at 5 PM. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be the chief guest on the occasion. This award recognises an original Hindi literary work from various genres. This year, it will be conferred upon a book published in 2024.

Narendra Mohan Gupta's 37 Years of Leadership at Dainik Jagran

Narendra Mohan Gupta served as the Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Jagran for an illustrious 37-year span, setting journalistic standards that continue to guide the publication’s success today. He mentored and shaped numerous editors and journalists throughout his career.

During the Emergency in 1975, he made a powerful statement through Dainik Jagran’s June 27, 1975, editorial titled "Naya Loktantra? Censor Laagu, Shaant Rahe!" -- leaving the column blank in protest. This silent defiance came at a cost, as he was arrested on the night of June 28, 1975.

Narendra Mohan Gupta had profound faith in India and its cultural ethos, which was evident in his popular column "Vichar Pravah". As an editor, he had a sharp understanding of political, economic and social developments, while his literary side flourished equally through prose and poetry.

Service as a Member of Rajya Sabha

He authored several books centred around Indian culture, Hindutva, religion and communalism, contemporary politics, and corruption. In 1996, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha as a BJP member and served in Parliament until 2002.

Several former Prime Ministers, including V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, often recalled their memories with him. Vajpayee regarded him as both a journalist and a poet, while Chandra Shekhar described him as a spirited journalist and purposeful writer.

What His Contemporaries Said

Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister: "Narendra Mohan Ji took Dainik Jagran to unparalleled heights in Hindi journalism. His sharp editorial vision and foresight reflected his deep understanding of social and political realities. He was not just a journalist but also a poet, whose writings embodied compassion and commitment to life’s core values."

V.P. Singh, Former Prime Minister: "I consider Narendra Mohan Ji a powerful journalist and a purposeful writer. Every poem and article he wrote carried intent; he never wrote without meaning or purpose."

Chandra Shekhar, Former Prime Minister: "Reading his column Vichar Pravah and his poems revealed the depth of his sensitivity. While he was firm in his opinions, he was never stubborn."

Arun Jaitley, Former Finance Minister: "It would be unfair to discuss Narendra Mohan Ji without mentioning his passion for sports, especially cricket, which he loved almost to the point of obsession."

M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice President: "In the Rajya Sabha, regardless of the topic, Narendra Mohan Ji was always ready to speak. His briefcase always contained a bundle of notes and facts, showing his thorough preparation."

L.K. Advani, Former Deputy Prime Minister: "I used to read his articles and books. Whatever he wrote was backed by study and deep research. Once he set his mind on a task, he pursued it with complete dedication."

Dr Murli Manohar Joshi, Former HRD Minister: "Narendra Mohan Ji’s personality was a remarkable fusion of talent, leadership, literary depth, editorial excellence, and poetic grace. His book Hindutva and his study of cultural nationalism reflect the evolution of his literary and ideological journey."

Sonia Gandhi, Former Congress President: "Narendra Mohan Ji’s contribution to journalism can never be forgotten. He embodied every quality of a true journalist and also carved a distinct identity as a sensitive writer and poet."