Balshastri Jambhekar
Darpankar Balshastri Jambhekar | |
|---|---|
| Born | Bal Gangadhar Shastri Jambhekar 20 February 1812 Pombhurle, Sindhudurg, British India |
| Died | 17 May 1846 (aged 35) |
| Nationality | British Indian |
| Other names | Darpankar Father of Marathi journalism |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, writer, academic |
| Employer | Darpan |
Bal Ganghadhar Shastri Jambhekar (20 February 1812 – 17 May 1846) also known as Bal Shastri Jambhekar was an Indian journalist from Bombay Presidency. He was the first to start journalism in Marathi with the first newspaper in this language named Darpan in the early days of British Rule in India. Thus he is known as the Father of Marathi journalism. January 6 is not the birth anniversary of Balshastri Jambhekar. On January 6, 1832, he started Darpan, the first newspaper in Marathi. Therefore, this day is celebrated as Patrakar Din (Journalists' Day) or Darpan Din in Maharashtra.
Since Balshastri Jambhekar himself never mentioned his birth date anywhere, there is some confusion regarding it. However, based on the study of available documents, one of his biographers, Yashwant Padhye, has suggested that his birth date could be February 16, 1812. Due to this uncertainty, the Marathi Vishwakosh does not mention his birth date. However, as per a government order issued in 2021, Balshastri Jambhekar's birth anniversary is officially celebrated on February 20.