Today, The Hindu has fulfilled its historical destiny as India’s National Newspaper, as we launch an edition in this great city of Mumbai. As a 137-year-old paper that was part of the making of India’s independence, The Hindu ’s >connections with this glorious city ran deep . One of its earliest offices was opened in what was then the capital of the Bombay presidency. In 1935, its robust presence in Bombay was richly hailed by community leaders of the time, with a prominent leader of “the mercantile community” declaring emotionally that “ The Hindu occupies the foremost place today amongst Indian nationalist papers and is perhaps the only paper which can hold its own in all respects with Anglo-Indian dailies…” The Hindu was also exhorted to continue its contributions to the cause of India’s freedom “by a fearless interpretation of public opinion”. Indeed, that exhortation holds good for us today as we renew our tryst with Mumbai, transformed from a cluster of fishing colonies into the urban colossus it is today: an alpha world city with the highest GDP of any city in South, West and Central Asia.
Dr. Malini Parthasarathy Editor, The Hindu The Mumbai edition is fuelled by deep respect for the genius of this exciting and intriguing megapolis that is in essence a heart that beats fast and needs the world at its fingertips. Our reporting of Mumbai will bring to life this unique perspective. We also acknowledge the rich mosaic of communities, neighbourhoods and the spirited citizens that have given Mumbai its cosmopolitan spirit that remains undaunted by regressive winds. Building on this, we offer two special pages of >coverage of the city that will bring to life the stories beneath the fabric of daily life, the rigours, the joys, the challenges, the triumphs of the people of Mumbai , all their stories told in a contemporary idiom. Another two pages devoted to >the coverage of the arts, lifestyle, fashion and culture pay tribute to the entertainment capital. As a national newspaper, we have meticulously covered the major trends emanating from the city’s banks and bourses. In this edition, we add two special pages — Mumbai Capital — >on the pulsating economic activity in the city . These pages feature snapshots and stories of the emerging local trends, particularly of the new economy, start-ups, new products and technologies. All in all, we will ensure a connected and insightful narrative of the economic and financial wonder that is Mumbai.
We are now truly India’s national newspaper, bringing India to Mumbai and Mumbai to India, as only The Hindu can do, given the credibility and integrity of our reporting and the analytic rigour of our coverage. Our editorial perspective is rooted in values that Mumbai cherishes-- pluralism, inclusiveness and cultural diversity. Imbued with new energy and enthusiasm, we at The Hindu renew our long relationship with the City of Dreams. We have assembled a team of the finest reporters and editors, led by Resident Editor Sachin Kalbag and Deputy Resident Editor Peter Griffin, who will ensure that our pages bring to you everyday, fresh perspectives and insights into this great city.
And now we begin!
