About Kesari
First Edition of Kesari Newspaper: A Legacy of Freedom and Journalism
Kesari (Marathi: केसरी, Sanskrit for "saffron") is a historic Marathi newspaper founded on January 4, 1881, by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, one of India's foremost freedom fighters. Established as a voice for India’s struggle for independence, Kesari played a pivotal role in shaping nationalist sentiments and continues to be published today by the Kesari Maratha Trust, managed by Tilak's descendants.
Historical Significance
Originally started as a cooperative initiative by Tilak, Agarkar, and Chiplunkar, Kesari became an influential platform for nationalist discourse. While Agarkar served as its first editor, he later left in 1887 to start his own newspaper, Sudharak (The Reformer). Tilak took full charge of Kesari, making it a powerful medium to challenge British colonial rule.
During his imprisonment in 1897 and 1908, Tilak’s close associate, Narasimha Chintaman Kelkar, took over editorial responsibilities. The newspaper also witnessed a defining moment during the Kesari Prosecution of 1897, a case linked to Tilak’s nationalist writings.
Lokmanya Tilak's Double-Feeder Printing Machine: A Legacy of Fearless Journalism
Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak brought a double-feeder printing machine from England in 1919 for printing his Marathi newspaper Kesari. This machine played a crucial role in continuing the publication of Kesari, ensuring that Tilak's thoughts and ideologies reached the people even after his passing.
Today, this historic machine is preserved and displayed at the Lokmanya Tilak Museum in Kesariwada, Pune. It stands as a testament to Tilak’s dedication to fearless journalism and his contribution to India's freedom movement.
Maharashtra's Own National Newspaper
