Communication is essential for sharing news and messages from one place to another. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, the communication system is well-developed, including both traditional and digital mediums. The state has a rich history in journalism and publications and has also embraced digital technology for improved connectivity.
Means of Communication in Uttar Pradesh
The major means of communication in Uttar Pradesh include newspapers, the post office, radio, Doordarshan (television), and film. Let’s explore each of these in detail.
Newspapers
Newspapers are a vital source of information in Uttar Pradesh. They are published in Hindi, English, and Urdu. Some of the well-known newspapers in the state are:
- Dainik Jagran
- Amar Ujala
- Hindustan Dainik
- Dainik Bhaskar
- Rajasthan Patrika
The first newspaper in Uttar Pradesh was the Banaras Akhbaar, founded in 1845 by Raja Shivprasad. Other notable publications include:
- Buddhi Prakash (1852), published by Munshi Sadasukh Lal from Agra.
- Swadesh (1919), published from Gorakhpur.
Major Newspapers and Magazines in Uttar Pradesh
| Newspaper/Magazine | Year of Establishment | Place | Editor/Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banaras Akhbaar | 1845 | Varanasi | Govind Raghunath |
| Sudhakar | 1850 | Varanasi | Taramohan Mishra |
| Buddhi Prakash | 1852 | Agra | Munshi Sadasukh Lal |
| Brahman | 1853 | Kanpur | Pratap Narayan Mishra |
| Tatvabodhini Magazine | 1856 | Agra | Gulab Shankar |
| Kavivachan Sudha | 1867 | Kashi | Bhartendu |
| Abhiyudaya | 1907 | Prayagraj | Madanmohan Malviya |
| Karmayogi | 1909 | Prayagraj | Pt Sundarlal |
| Aaj | 1920 | Kashi | Shri Prakashji (Shiv Prasad Gupta) |
| Hans | 1930 | Varanasi | Premchand |
Daily Newspapers are widely circulated across the state, with publications like:
- Dainik Jagran in Kanpur, Meerut, Jhansi, Agra, and Varanasi.
- Aaj in Varanasi, Kanpur, and Agra.
- Amar Ujala in Agra, Bareilly, Meerut, Moradabad, and Kanpur.
Weekly Newspapers like Lokapath (Jhansi) and Rashtrabhasha Sandesh (Prayagraj) also play an important role in regional communication.
Post Office
The Head Post Office of Uttar Pradesh is located in Hazratganj, Lucknow. The first air post service in India began on February 18, 1911, from Naini (Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh. This service marked a significant milestone in the state’s communication history.
Additionally, the first telegraph service was initiated in 1854, connecting Agra and Kolkata.
Radio
Radio is another crucial means of communication in Uttar Pradesh. The first radio station in the state was established on April 2, 1938, in Lucknow, located on Vidhansabha Marg. This station completed 75 years of service in 2013.
There are 32 private radio stations in major cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Allahabad, Agra, and Noida. All India Radio (AIR) is the public radio broadcaster.
Doordarshan (Television)
Doordarshan is the state-owned television broadcaster in Uttar Pradesh. The Doordarshan centre in Lucknow began telecasting on November 27, 1975, with the famous shehnai performance by Ustad Bismillah Khan. The color broadcast on Doordarshan started on August 15, 1982.
Additional Information on Communication in Uttar Pradesh
- Internet and mobile communication have greatly expanded in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to faster and more efficient information dissemination.
- The state government has also been investing in modernizing the communication infrastructure to keep pace with technological advancements.
Films in Uttar Pradesh
Cinema Corporation and Industry Status
- The cinema corporation in Uttar Pradesh was established on 10th September, 1975.
- In 1988, the State Government of Uttar Pradesh granted the status of industry to film production.
- Bhojpuri language films are predominantly produced among the various public languages of Uttar Pradesh.
- In 2016, the Uttar Pradesh Film Television and Liberal Arts Institute was established in Lucknow.
- Noida is known as the Small Film City in Uttar Pradesh.
- India’s first sound film, Alam Ara (1931), was produced by VP Mishra, a resident of Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh.
Film Bandhu
- The first film policy in Uttar Pradesh was launched in 1999, with revisions in 2013 and 2015.
- The Uttar Pradesh Government established ‘Film Bandhu’ and the ‘Film Development Fund’ to create a favorable environment and provide facilities under the new film policy.
- Film Bandhu functions as a nodal agency under the chairpersonship of the Principal Secretary, Information, to develop Uttar Pradesh as a hub for film production.
- The Film Development Fund provides financial support for regional and Hindi films produced in the state, scholarships for students pursuing careers in film, and financing for film awards and festivals.
- The Film Development Fund is operated by Film Bandhu, Uttar Pradesh.
- A State-level Film Development Council has been established to ensure long-term development in the film sector.
Uttar Pradesh Film Policy, 2018
- The Uttar Pradesh Film Policy, 2018, aims to establish the state as a significant medium for filmmaking, promoting talent, and generating employment and revenue.
- Subsidies are provided for regional and foreign films shot in the state.
- State-owned guest houses, rest houses, and hotels are made available for filmmakers during shooting.
- An annual film award for films shot in the state has been constituted, along with film festivals and seminars.
- The policy also aims to provide affordable entertainment to the people of Uttar Pradesh and the country.
Famous Actors and Actresses from Uttar Pradesh
Zohra Sehgal
- Birth: 27th April 1912, Saharanpur
- Career: Actor, dancer, choreographer
- Notable Works: Baji on the Beach (1946), Tammanna, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Veer Zara, Dil Se, Cheeni Kum
- Awards: Padma Shri (1998), Kalidas Samman (2001), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2004), Padma Vibhushan (2010)
- Death: 10th July 2014
Bharat Bhushan Bhalla
- Birth: 14th June 1920, Meerut
- Career: Actor, scriptwriter, producer
- Notable Works: Baiju Bawra, Chitralekha, Bhakta Kabir, Bhaichara, Sawan, Suhag Raat, Udhaar, Ankhen, Maa
- Awards: Filmfare Best Actor Award (1955) for Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
- Death: 27th January 1992
Amitabh Bachchan
- Birth: 11th October 1942, Prayagraj
- Career: Film actor, producer, television host, playback singer, politician
- Notable Works: Saat Hindustani (1969), Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Anand, Don, Agneepath, Black, Paa, King Liar, Piku
- Awards: Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001), Padma Vibhushan (2015), Knight of the Legion of Honour (France, 2007)
Raja Murad
- Birth: 23rd August 1946, Rampur
- Career: Film actor
- Notable Works: Namak Haraam, Prem Rog, Henna, Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Mohra, Gupt
- Notable Activities: Philanthropy, active social life
Naseeruddin Shah
- Birth: 20th July 1950, Barabanki
- Career: Film actor
- Notable Works: Nishant (1975), Aakrosh, Sparsh, Junoon, Mandi, Satya, Jalwa
- Awards: National Film Awards (3), Filmfare Awards (3), Award at the Venice Film Festival, Padma Shri (1987), Padma Bhushan (2003)
Raj Babbar
- Birth: 23rd June 1952, Agra
- Career: Hindi and Punjabi film actor, politician
- Notable Works: Insaaf Ka Tarazu, Nikaah, Aaj Ki Awaaz, Chann Pardesi (1980), Marhi Da Deeva (1989), Long Da Lishkara (1986)
Rekha Bhardwaj
- Birth: 24th January 1964, Delhi
- Career: Playback singer, live performer
- Notable Works: Album Ishqa Ishqa (2002)
- Awards: Filmfare Awards, Mirchi Music Awards, National Award
Vishal Bhardwaj
- Birth: 4th August 1965, Bijnor
- Career: Music composer, film director, producer
- Notable Works: Abhay (1965), Fauji, Sanshodhan, Maachis, God Mother, Ishqiya, Makdee, Maqbool, Omkara, Haider, 7 Khoon Maaf
- Awards: National Film Award for Best Music Director (for God Mother)
Ravi Kishan Shukla
- Birth: 17th July 1969
- Career: Actor, television personality
- Notable Works: Pitambar, Rani Aur Maharani, Bombairiya, Jai Chhathi Maa
- Awards: Most Popular Actor Award (ETV Bhojpuri Cinema Samman 2008)
Rajpal Yadav
- Birth: 16th March 1971, Shahjahanpur
- Career: Film actor
- Notable Works: Pyar Tune Kya Kiya, Garam Masala, Kushti, Dhol, Phir Hera Pheri
- Awards: Janpad Ratna by the Government of India
Anurag Kashyap
- Birth: 10th September 1972, Gorakhpur
- Career: Film director, writer, editor, producer, actor
- Notable Works: Black Friday (2007), Dev.D (2009), Gulaal (2009), Gangs of Wasseypur (2012), Bombay Talkies (2013), Mukkabaaz (2018)
- Awards: National Film Award, Filmfare Awards (4), Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2013)
Nawazuddin Siddiqui
- Birth: 19th May 1974, Budhana, Muzaffarnagar district
- Career: Film actor
- Notable Works: Sarfarosh (1999), Manjhi: The Mountain Man, New York, Dev D, Kahaani, Gangs of Wasseypur, Talaash, The Lunchbox, Bajrangi Bhaijaan
- Awards: Special Jury Award at the 60th National Film Awards (2012)
Lara Dutta
- Birth: 16th April 1978, Ghaziabad
- Career: Actress, model, beauty queen
- Notable Works: Andaaz (2003), Masti, Kal, No Entry, Bhagam Bhag, Partner, Don, Housefull
- Achievements: Miss Intercontinental 1997, Miss Universe 2000, Filmfare Best Female Debut Award
Other Actors and Actresses from Uttar Pradesh
- Dileep Tahil: Agra
- Jimmy Shergill, Saurabh Shukla: Gorakhpur
- Raju Shrivastava, Poonam Dhillon: Kanpur
- Puja Batra, Anushka Sharma: Ayodhya
- Mandakini: Meerut
