PM Narendra Modi lauds Dainik Pudhari's journalistic ethics on its 75th birthday

"Dainik Pudhari's was born as a result of India's freedom struggle. It fought against the mighty British empire and has carried on this fiery journalism for the last 75 years," said prime minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. Modi, who was the chief guest, was speaking at a programme celebrating 75 years of the newspaper, at Kolhapur's police parade ground.

Transport minister Nitin Gadkari, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, editor-in-chief Dr Pratap Singh Jadhav and managing editor Dr Yogesh Yadav were present at the function, besides the 1,000-odd people in the audience.

In his speech, Modi said criticism plays a vital role in politics, but these days allegations have become a trend. He added that Pudhari has played the role of good critic over the last 75 years. The prime minister also assured of developing Kolhapur as a holy city.

Jadhav presented him with an idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi and said, "I wish the goddess pours her blessings on Modiji and gives him strength to fulfil the country's expectations."