Stating that ‘Zee Marathi Disha’, the new Marathi weekly newspaper from the Zee Media stable, will usher in a new path for bringing positivity in society, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday added that this initiative will rekindle enlightenment in all spheres of life.
The chief minister unveiled the first copy of ‘Zee Marathi Disha’ at a glittering event in Mumbai on Tuesday. Mumbai city mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, former Union home minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athavale and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) president Raj Thackeray graced the occasion, along with Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Chandra and ‘Zee Marathi Disha’ editor-in-chief Vijay Kuvalekar.
Congratulating the Zee Group for starting a weekly newspaper that caters to the needs of all sections of society, Fadnavis said, “One may be surprised that a group like Zee, which is well-entrenched in electronic media, is turning towards print. But then, Subhashji is known for his innovative spirit. I am sure that like Sukh Warta on Zee 24 Taas, Disha, too, will provide much needed positivity to the society at large.”
RS MP Subhash Chandra speaking on the launch of 'Zee Marathi Disha’ (Image courtesy: Hemant Padalkar)
Recounting his decades-old friendship with Subhash Chandra, Shinde said confidence was a hallmark of his life. “He faced many a calamities, but marched ahead with conviction and instilled confidence in generations with his endevours. He has been instrumental in nurturing generations with his contribution,” he said.
Raj Thackeray lauded the launch of a weekly newspaper at a time when social media was on the rise and said despite the advent of WhatsApp and Facebook, there was “no enjoyment like reading a newspaper.”
Union minister Athavale, in his inimitable style, begun his address with a poem and said that the politicians on stage were all together for the cause of Maharashtra, despite their political differences. “Our parties may be different, but our language is Marathi,” he said.
Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said ‘Zee Marathi Disha’ will lay down a new direction in journalism - ranging from sports to education. He expressed hope that the publication would add to the intellectual richness of Maharashtrians.
