About Us
Pudhari Publications Private Limited stands as one of India's most enduring media houses, established in 1939 by the late Dr. G. G. Jadhav, a Padmashree Awardee. Founded to champion the freedom movement and social reforms in Maharashtra, Pudhari has a rich legacy in Indian journalism. Dr. G. G. Jadhav was a close associate of both Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
Pudhari operates as a comprehensive media house, encompassing a newspaper, satellite news channel, digital platforms, and radio stations. Its newspaper reaches over 2.5 million readers through 24 editions across Maharashtra, Goa, and North Karnataka, making it one of the most widely read and circulated newspapers in India. Renowned for its credible and unbiased news reporting, Pudhari boasts a dedicated team of over 1200 journalists and stringers, delivering top-tier news content to the Marathi-speaking audience. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi attended the golden jubilee celebration of Pudhari in 1989, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the diamond jubilee celebration in 2015.
The Pudhari News channel is the fastest-growing news channel in Maharashtra, known for its in-depth coverage and extensive network of reporters. It offers comprehensive coverage of key state, national, and international events, helping audiences build informed perspectives.
Pudhari also maintains a strong digital presence with its website, e-paper, mobile app, and social media accounts. Popular among Marathi audiences for its extensive coverage from hyperlocal to international news, Pudhari is committed to providing highly vetted, engaging, insightful, and family-friendly digital content, utilizing the latest digital technologies.
Pudhari also commands Tomato FM in Kolhapur and Aapla FM in Sangli, both acclaimed as trendsetters in the Marathi media industry. Additionally, Pudhari has spearheaded women empowerment initiatives through the Kasturi Club, a network comprising over 25,000 women in South Maharashtra.
Pudhari is home to the "Tomato Brigade," a renowned event management team dedicated to organizing impactful public events throughout the year.
About the Editor-in-Chief Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav
Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav, a Padmashree Award recipient, serves as the Editor-in-Chief and Emeritus Chairman of the Pudhari Group. He is widely credited with the organization's significant growth. Known for his fiery, unbiased, and critical approach to news coverage, he is also a strong advocate for agrarian communities and other vulnerable groups in society. Additionally, he pioneered modern technologies in the Marathi news industry.
Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav has done Law from ILS Pune, Diploma in Journalism from Pune University and a Journalism Course from Cadrif, London.
Achievements in journalism:
- Special invitee to the India Delegation for the World Mass Media Conference in Manila, Philippines, 1971. Presented paper titled "The Mass Media in Asian Countries."
- Attended the Centenary function of France in Paris with Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, 1989.
- Embarked on a three-nation tour to Pakistan, Russia, and France with the Prime Minister of India.
- Held positions such as President of the Maharashtra Newspapers Publishers Association, member of the Commonwealth Press Union, Maharashtra State Accreditation Committee, and Standing Committee of the All India Small and Medium Newspapers Association in New Delhi.
Continuing involvement in journalistic endeavors:
- Served as Executive Chairman of the Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Patrakar Parishad, Kolhapur.
- Held the position of President of the Kolhapur District Newspaper Association.
- Membership in key organizations includes the All India Newspaper Editor's Conference in New Delhi, Executive Council of the Indian Language Newspaper Association in Bombay, Indian Newspapers Society in New Delhi, and Senior Membership in the Press Club of India, New Delhi.
Educational Contribution:
- Founder President, Fine Art Faculty, Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
- Established Journalism Faculty at Shivaji University, Kolhapur.
- Advisory Committee Member, Journalism Faculty, Marathwada University, Kolhapur.
- Honorary Contributor, Journalism Faculty, Pune University, Pune.
- Heads numerous Educational Institutions in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa.
Awards and Recognitions
- Padmashree Award by the Government of India on 3rd April 2003
- Panchajanya Nachiketa Award by Panchajanya Pratishthan on 10th May 2003
- Swami Vivekanand Award by Swami Vivekanand Peeth, UP on 12th January 2003
- Ahimsa Trust Award by Ahimsa Trust on 14th April 2003
- Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Himachal Pradesh Vishwavidyala in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital at Siachen, the world's highest battlefield for the Indian Army.
- Manpatra by Kolhapur Municipal Corporation by the then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh
- Balshastri Jambhekar ‘Darpan’ Award.
- Ekmat Award
- Ratnadapan Award by Doordarshan Sahyadri Channel and many more.
Social Contributions & Achievements
- Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav spearheaded the creation of a hospital in Siachen, funded by Pudhari Publications Private Limited and inaugurated by Defence Minister Mr. George Fernandes on November 18, 2001, alongside Dr. Yogesh P Jadhav, then-GoC Col Arjun Ray, and other dignitaries.
- One additional hospital was built in Kachch, Gujarat, to aid earthquake victims. This was made possible through donations from Pudhari Publications Private Limited. The inauguration, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, occurred on January 25, 2001.
- On November 18, 2009, the Government of India released a commemorative postal stamp honoring the late Dr. G. G. Jadhav on his birth centenary, in the presence of President Smt. Pratibhatai Patil.
- In 1974, Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav chaired the committee organizing the birth centenary celebrations of Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj, also overseeing fundraising efforts of Rs. 50 lakhs for a cultural center dedicated to Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj.
- In 1976, Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav was selected as the president for the felicitation of Dnyanpeeth Award-winning author V. S. Khandekar.
- He also headed the Marathi Parishad on May 5, 1986, marking another significant milestone in his esteemed career of service and dedication to the community.
About the Group Editor and Chairman Dr. Yogesh Jadhav
Dr. Yogesh Jadhav currently serves as the Group Editor and Chairman of Pudhari Publications Private Limited. Under his visionary and capable leadership, the group has successfully expanded into satellite TV channels, digital products, and radio stations. Dr. Yogesh Jadhav holds a PhD in Media Management from Mumbai University, an MBA from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune, a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Journalism from Pune University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from Shivaji University.
An avid reader and regular columnist for Pudhari, Dr. Jadhav writes insightful pieces on various geopolitical issues, technology, and economics.
Honors and Accomplishments
Journalism
- Received the Outstanding Research Award in Media Management from Mumbai University, presented by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan.
- Served as a special invitee to Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during his tour of Malaysia.
- Accompanied Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his tour of China.
- Conducted an exclusive interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2024.
Social
- He serves as the Chairman of the Rest of Maharashtra Development Board (Cabinet Rank). He has initiated various projects for the development of tribal communities, including mobile food testing labs and the rehabilitation of flood-affected individuals.
Sports
- Gold Medal and National Record in Air Rifle Championship at the 1991 All India G V Mavlankar Shooting Competition, Ahmedabad (age 13).
- Bronze Medal in Air Rifle Championship at the 36th National Shooting Championship, 1993, Gujarat State Rifle Association, Ahmedabad.
- Bronze Medal in Air Rifle Championship at the 37th National Shooting Championship, 1994, Madras Rifle Club, Chennai.
- Silver Medal in Air Rifle Championship at the 39th National Shooting Championship, 1995, Coimbatore.
- Silver Medal in Air Rifle Championship at the 40th National Shooting Championship, 1996, Asansol Rifle Club, West Bengal.
- Bronze Medal in Rifle Championship at the 40th National Shooting Championship, 1996, Asansol Rifle Club, West Bengal.
- National Record Holder in Air Rifle Shooting Championship, Junior Category.
- Selected among the top 10 shooters from India for Commonwealth Games training under an Olympic coach.
- Awarded the FIE Foundation Award in 1991 as “Best Sportsman of the Year,” presented by Chief Minister (late) Shri Sudhakarrao Naik.
- Shiv Chhatrapati Award by the Government of Maharashtra (declined).