National Herald revival on Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru birth anniversary

New Delhi: National Herald, the newspaper founded by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on Monday staged a comeback with a digital version eight years after it had downed its shutter.

The Associated Journals Limited announced the launch of www.nationalheraldindia.co, on the birthday of India’s first Prime Minister, and claimed that the printed version of its newspaper will also see a rebirth soon.

“In keeping with the changing times, the newspaper group resumes phased publication as a multi-media outlet with a strong digital presence. The digital website will follow the same editorial vision and principles as that of our Founder, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru,” it said.

“It remains committed to furthering the values it has always cherished and the best values of the Freedom Movement – that of building a modern, democratic, just, equitable, liberal and socially harmonious nation, free of sectarian strife,” a release from the company said.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said the relaunch is a befitting tribute to Nehru on his anniversary. “@NH_India carries forward it’s proud legacy — giving voice to the vision of a modern, democratic, just and harmonious nation. A fitting tribute to Pt Nehru on his 127th birth anniversary! Wishing team @NH_India the very best in this new innings!,” he said on Twitter.

Launched in 1938 as a daily in the vanguard of the Indian Freedom Movement, the release said the newspaper proclaims its commitment on its masthead inscribed in Nehru’s hand, “Freedom is in Peril, Defend it with All Your Might”.

Announcing the launch, its website carried a cartoon captioned - “Don’t spare me Shankar”, carried with an editorial that captures the democratic spirit — open to accountability, criticism and some humour of the first PM. “A full fledged news website and the suspended old newspaper will also see a fresh rebirth. Stay with us on these next steps...,” the website said.