In the history of newspapers in Assam, the Janambhumi Group stands as an institution of great repute. Janambhumi (weekly), published by this group, is the oldest newspaper currently in circulation in Assam. Similarly, Dainik Janambhumi, published by the same group, is a prestigious Assamese daily that has crossed its golden jubilee. The history of this group is both glorious and inspiring.
The news group began at the dawn of India’s independence as a powerful instrument of social service and nation-building. Janambhumi (weekly) was launched from Jorhat on 10 March 1947, on the eve of independence, with the noble objective of contributing to the building of the nation. Although this was the realization of the dream of Jananayak Deveshwar Sharma, a veteran freedom fighter and one of the most influential figures in post-independence Assam politics, it was his worthy brother Karmayogi Kanak Chandra Sharma who nurtured and strengthened Janambhumi.
On 1 June 1972, twenty-five years after the publication of Janambhumi, the Janambhumi Group launched the Assamese daily newspaper Dainik Janambhumi from Jorhat. In 1972, at the dawn of scientific and technological advancement, publishing a daily newspaper from a suburban town like Jorhat was undoubtedly a formidable challenge.
Initially, Dainik Janambhumi was edited by Kanak Chandra Sharma, but he did not remain in the position for long. Praful Baruah was subsequently appointed Editor. After him, the newspaper was edited by Jatindra Kumar Bargohain, Dhirendra Nath Chakraborty, Dev Kumar Bora, Hemant Barman, Arun Kumar Das (Resident Editor, Jorhat), and Utpal Baruah. Dr. Jogendra Nath Barua, a prominent scientist, served as the Chief Advisor of the newspaper for some time. As of 2025, eminent journalist Sanjib Kumar Phookan is serving as the Executive Editor of Dainik Janambhumi.
In the presence of the then Chief Minister Sharat Chandra Sinha, former Chief Minister Mahendra Mohan Chowdhury, Singhpurush Radha Govinda Baruah, Loknayak Omeo Kumar Das, and other dignitaries, Deveshwar Sharma declared:
“Since newspapers cannot be anyone’s private property as an institution, I hereby declare Janambhumi as a people’s institution.”
This declaration reflects the philosophy and guiding principle of the newspaper. For over fifty years, Janambhumi has followed this path and has earned the respect and spontaneous recognition of the people as a truly people-centric newspaper.
Both Janambhumi and Dainik Janambhumi have stood firmly with the nation during various crises, including the Language Movement, the Oil Refinery Movement, and the Assam Movement. The newspaper strongly believes that newspapers are documents of social life and that they educate, create awareness, inspire, and reform society.
In 2023, Prag News (Sanjive Narain Group of Companies), a leading electronic news organization in Assam with nearly twenty-five years of experience, joined the Janambhumi Group. Under the leadership of distinguished industrialist, Social Worker, Film maker Dr. Sanjive Narain, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), the newspaper has gained new momentum. Intellectual leadership for the Prag–Janambhumi family is being provided by renowned journalist Prashanta Rajguru, Editor-in-Chief. The responsibility of Publisher has been taken up by Chandra Sekhar Sarmah, Sr. Journalist and General Manager of Prag News. The combined experience of Janambhumi in print media and Prag News in electronic media has not only strengthened the Prag–Janambhumi family but has also enriched Assam’s media landscape as a whole.
What began as a humble publication from Jorhat is now published from Guwahati (2001), Tinsukia (2004), and Bongaigaon (2024). This expansion has made the distribution of Dainik Janambhumi across Assam more efficient, increasing both its circulation and influence. In response to the rapid growth of digital media, the Online Edition of Dainik Janambhumi and Janambhumi has also been launched to keep pace with the times. With this initiative, Janambhumi has truly become global.
The newspaper publishes a Sunday magazine titled ‘Basundhara’ along with its Sunday edition. The editor of Basundhara is Sankab Kausik Baruah. Among other media professionals, the responsibility of Senior Photo Journalist is held by the state’s renowned photographer Reba Kumar Bora, while Ranjiv Gogoi (Munu) serves as the cartoonist.
After this long journey, the growth and success of Janambhumi have been made possible by the love and trust of its readers and well-wishers. The newspaper has remained faithful to this trust. As Jananayak Deveshwar Sharma envisioned, Janambhumi today truly stands as a people’s institution and a newspaper of the people.