CHANDIGARH: Marking a monumental milestone in the annals of Indian journalism, The Tribune, the nation’s oldest daily English-language newspaper, celebrates its 145th anniversary today. Since its inaugural edition on February 2, 1881, in Lahore—now part of Pakistan—the publication has stood as a defiant, enduring pillar of free press, navigating the turbulent tides of colonial history, the scars of Partition, and the complexities of the modern era.
Founded by the visionary philanthropist Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, the newspaper was conceived not merely as a news outlet, but as a public-spirited institution dedicated to the progress of the nation. Through 145 years of continuous publication, the paper has been forced to pause only once: a harrowing 40-day hiatus in the immediate, violent aftermath of the 1947 Partition. Remarkably, that brief interruption remains the sole exception in a century-and-a-half-long record of daily service to the public.
Today, The Tribune remains unique in its governance. Unlike many media conglomerates governed by corporate interests, it is managed by a five-member Trust—a body of distinguished public figures committed to maintaining the paper’s ethos of independence. The Trust is chaired by Shri N.N. Vohra, the former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, and includes a stellar panel of leaders: Justice S.S. Sodhi, former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court; Shri Gurbachan Jagat, former Governor of Manipur; Lt. Gen. Shamsher Singh Mehta, former Western Army Commander; and Shri Paramjit Singh Patwalia, a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court.
This high-level stewardship ensures that the publication remains steadfast in its core values. In an era often dominated by polarized discourse and sensationalism, The Tribune continues to champion the philosophy of restraint and moderation. Its editorial stance—free, objective, and rigorously independent—shuns agitational language, prioritizing factual clarity and a “broad-minded liberal” approach to the issues that define the subcontinent.
The legacy of Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia has expanded significantly beyond the flagship English daily. The institution now publishes two major sister publications: Punjabi Tribune, which anchors the regional language narrative, and Dainik Tribune, serving the Hindi-speaking readership. Together, these three publications form a multi-lingual powerhouse that remains deeply embedded in the cultural and political fabric of Northern India.
As the media landscape undergoes rapid digital transformation, The Tribune retains its relevance by bridging the gap between its nineteenth-century roots and the demands of the digital age. By upholding the traditions established by its founder, the newspaper proves that journalism—when practiced with integrity and a focus on the common good—can serve as an evergreen institution. As it embarks on its 146th year, the publication continues to function as a mirror to society, steadfast in its mission to inform, educate, and act as a voice for the principled observer.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
