Padma Shri Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav Celebrates 80 Glorious Years — The Visionary “Patramaharshi” of Indian Journalism

Kolhapur | 31 October 2025:
The grand Sahasra Chandra Darshan ceremony of Padma Shri Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav, Editor-in-Chief of Pudhari Group of Publications, marks not just his 80th birthday but the celebration of a man who redefined Marathi journalism. Fondly known as “Patramaharshi”, Dr. Jadhav stands as a rare blend of visionary leadership, editorial brilliance, and social commitment.

For nearly five decades, Dr. Jadhav has led Pudhari with an unwavering pursuit of excellence — setting benchmarks for journalistic integrity, technological advancement, and fearless editorial direction. His command over both Marathi and English, his insistence on linguistic precision, and his perfectionist eye for headlines have become legendary among generations of journalists.

He pioneered several revolutions in regional media — introducing photojournalism in the 1970s, adopting modern printing technologies, and starting color Sunday supplements long before such innovations became industry norms. Under his leadership, Pudhari grew from a local daily to a 23-edition powerhouse, reaching readers across Maharashtra, Goa, and North Karnataka.

Dr. Jadhav’s sharp news sense, often described as a sixth sense for headlines, ensured that Pudhari consistently led with the most impactful and reader-centric stories. He placed equal emphasis on layout design, photographic storytelling, and reader engagement, bringing a fresh visual and editorial dynamism to Marathi newspapers.

Beyond journalism, Dr. Jadhav has been a social reformer and tireless activist. His leadership in public causes — from farmers’ movements to the establishment of the High Court Bench in Kolhapur, to the Siachen Hospital initiative for Indian soldiers — stands as a testament to his deep-rooted social conscience.

Through it all, his motto remained simple yet profound: “A newspaper must be the voice of the people.”

Today, as Pudhari Group continues its journey under the stewardship of his son Dr. Yogesh Jadhav, Dr. Pratapsinh Jadhav’s legacy remains the guiding light of the organization. His life exemplifies discipline, innovation, and a devotion to truth that transcends generations.

Quote:

“Perfection is not an act, it’s a habit — and Dr. Jadhav made it the soul of journalism.”