On September 3, 1976, The Hindu launched its Hyderabad edition from Begumpet, bringing cutting-edge offset technology to the city and changing its media landscape forever.

  • The Hindu launched its Hyderabad edition on September 3, 1976, from Begumpet.
  • The move introduced modern four-color offset printing technology to the city.
  • The initial print run was 29,000 copies, a massive figure for Hyderabad at the time.
  • A state-of-the-art press was imported from France (Creusot-Loire).

September 3, 1976, stands as a landmark date in the journalistic history of Hyderabad. On this day, the venerable newspaper The Hindu began printing its Hyderabad edition from a newly established office at Begumpet. This transition was more than just a geographical expansion; it marked the arrival of a technological revolution in the city, as the traditional rotary press gave way to advanced offset printing technology.

A Leap into Modernity

For veterans like 76-year-old R. Sekhar, the memory of that night remains vivid. He recalls the intense effort required to bring out the very first edition. The initial print run was set at 29,000 copies—a substantial number given Hyderabad's population at the time, ensuring the newspaper reached the city's growing elite and intellectual circles. The launch was powered by a sophisticated Creusot-Loire web-offset printer imported directly from France.

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The selection of the Begumpet site was a decisive move led by then-Editor G. Kasturi. After evaluating various locations in Lakdi-ka-Pul and Malakpet, the team settled on a site owned by G. Pulla Reddy. The decision was finalized almost instantly, with local architect B.N. Reddy even noting the site's perfect vastu, adding a touch of tradition to this technological milestone.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the launch of The Hindu in Hyderabad was intrinsically linked to the city's transformation from a cultural center into a burgeoning industrial and commercial metropolis. The then-Chief Minister, Jalagam Vengal Rao, recognized this synergy, noting that the newspaper would become a cornerstone of Hyderabad's rapid development. This expansion set the stage for the media-driven growth that continues to define the region today.

The integration of French engineering with Indian journalistic excellence redefined the standard of news consumption in South India.

The launch day was not without its hurdles. Heavy September rains flooded the area in front of the Begumpet office, forcing dignitaries to navigate stones to reach the venue. However, the spirit of the team remained undampened. Interestingly, the transition also brought cultural challenges; the Madras-based staff initially struggled with the local language, often overpaying rickshaw pullers due to the language barrier.

Historical Background

Prior to this full-scale launch, The Hindu had been supplying a 'dak edition' to Hyderabad since 1958. However, the lack of a dedicated local edition meant missed opportunities in real-time news coverage. The 1976 move bridged this gap, providing a localized, high-quality news source that matched the city's growing aspirations.

Did You Know?: To bridge the communication gap during the machine installation, an Osmania University student was hired to act as a translator for the French engineers!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where was the first Hyderabad office of The Hindu located?
The first office was located on Begumpet Public Road.

2. What technology made this launch significant?
It introduced modern four-color web-offset printing to Hyderabad, replacing older rotary press methods.