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Deshdoot Group of Newspapers.....
The Voice of North Maharashtra
Any mention of North Maharashtra can never be complete without a reference to the Deshdoot Group of Newspapers. In fact, over the past three and a half decades and more, the destinies of both have been inextricably intertwined, as if by Providence itself! And the reason for this is not far to seek. It has never been a group of newspapers at all! It has always been a set of movements aimed at assisting the common people of the region to realize their dreams and aspirations.
The Founder, Deokisanji Sarda’s natural instinct was to think about only the people of the region. When he launched Daily Deshdoot 39 years ago in 1969, it was primarily because he felt the people of the region had no voice, particularly the rural farming community. It was not long before Deshdoot had literally become the champion of these masses. For lakhs of its readers, the name “Deshdoot” evokes a feeling of belonging.
It is a tribute to the acumen of the Founder that as his newspaper attained the status of a movement in the region, he made sure that it grew from one to five different editions, each edition dedicated to a particular district and its unique set of problems, requirements and specific aspirations. Along with the masses, he never lost sight of the classes and the need to carry them along, so they could also identify with the Group.
As Nashik, with its proximity to the financial capital of the nation, has over the years, continued to become an irresistible destination in all respects, the Deshdoot Group of Newspapers has grown from strength to strength to become the 2nd largest group in North Maharashtra today. It is also rated the fastest growing Marathi daily in the region, with a phenomenal rural presence.
The North Maharashtra region comprises the high potential, cash rich districts of Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar and Ahmednagar. The region is known for its cash crops like Grapes, Onion, Sugarcane, Cotton and Chilli. Daily Deshdoot covers all these districts, according equal importance to each.
Deshdoot is now published from Nashik, Jalgaon, Dhule, Nandurbar and Ahmednagar. Daily Sarwamat, which is a sister publication, is published from Shrirampur, also in the district of Ahmednagar. Deshdoot Times is an English Daily of the Group published from Nashik – in fact, the only DAVP approved local English Daily published from Nashik.
Thus, with 4 independent print centers across the region at Nashik, Jalgaon, Shrirampur and Ahmednagar, the newspaper covers 5 districts with 7 editions, under 3 distinct mastheads.
Being politically neutral, Deshdoot is identified in the region as a credible newspaper with an independent ideology. One of the most influential newspapers of the region, Deshdoot has been the watchdog for the people here with its pro-active journalism.
Deshdoot also happens to be a favourite with advertisers. What makes Deshdoot irresistible to media planners targetting this region today is the fact that more than 50% of its 11.6 lakh plus readers are in the age group of 25-44, having significant disposable income.
Also, the current trend of corporate India falling over each other to woo the rural masses, whose demographic profile and lifestyle have undergone a sea change in the last decade or so, falls in nicely with the position of strength that Deshdoot enjoys in the region. Its reach in the rural market is second to none.
Deshdoot has always continued to strive to be an independent people friendly newspaper, playing the role of a catalyst in the development of this region. And this isn’t a mere slogan. Dnyanpeeth awardee Padmabhushan Kusumagraj was a great admirer of Deshdoot. One of the greatest literary figures and a seer this region has been blessed with ever, when asked how the newspaper could continue to remain the darling of the masses, suggested that the Group identify the rare achievers from among the common folk and honour them regularly.
He would address these achievers as GUNPATIs. Sure enough, for the last three decades, Deshdoot has been following the tradition of publicly honouring these Gunpati’s on its anniversary day each year during the Ganapati Festival. And doing the honours have been a galaxy of prominent personalities from literature, trade, industry, drama, journalism and other areas, who have graced the Foundation Day functions with their esteemed presence as Chief Guest, year after year. These include Rajdeep Sardesai of CNN-IBN, Kishor Chaukar, MD, Tata Industries, renowned litterateur D M Mirasdar, social crusader Anna Hajare, demolition man G R Khairnar,Advocate Ujwal Nikam and many others.
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