Sakal: Difference between revisions

What links here Related changes Page information Get shortened URL
Created by 49.33.197.156
Last edited January 8, 2026
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
imported>Sanatany
m →Magazines: added link for Tanishka Magazine
m expanded information also and fixed typos
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2014}}
{{Short description|Indian daily newspaper}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2024}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{more citations needed|date=February 2013}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2026}}
{{cleanup rewrite|date=February 2013}}
{{peacock|date=February 2013}}
}}
{{Infobox newspaper
{{Infobox newspaper
| name = Sakal<br />सकाळ
| name = Sakal
| logo = Sakal Masthead.jpg
| logo = Sakal Masthead.jpg
| logo_size = 225px
| logo_size = 225px
Line 14: Line 11:
| type = Daily newspaper
| type = Daily newspaper
| format = [[Broadsheet]]
| format = [[Broadsheet]]
| foundation = 1 January 1932
| founded = 1 January 1932
| owners = Sakal Media Group<ref name="auto">[http://sakalmediagroup.com/about-us/management/ Official website of Sakal Media Group] (Accessed on 24 September 2013)</ref>
| owners = Sakal Media Group<ref name="auto">[http://sakalmediagroup.com/about-us/management/ Official website of Sakal Media Group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430144800/http://sakalmediagroup.com/about-us/management/ |date=30 April 2024 }} (Accessed on 24 September 2013)</ref>
| chiefeditor = Rahul Gadpale
| chief_editor = Rahul Gadpale
| headquarters = 595, Budhwar Peth, [[Pune]], Maharashtra, India
| headquarters = 595, Budhwar Peth, [[Pune]], [[Maharashtra]], [[India]]
| language = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| language = [[Marathi language|Marathi]]
| circulation = 1,337,901 Daily<ref name=ABCIND>{{cite web| url= http://www.auditbureau.org/files/Highest%20Circulated%20amongst%20ABC%20Member%20Publications%20(across%20languages).pdf| title=Submission of circulation figures for the audit period July – December 2015| publisher=[[Audit Bureau of Circulations (India)|Audit Bureau of Circulations]] |access-date=5 January 2016}}</ref>
| circulation = 1,064,721 daily<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.auditbureau.org/files/JD%202022%20Highest%20Circulated%20(across%20languages).pdf|title=Highest Circulated Dailies, Weeklies & Magazines amongst Member Publications (across languages) |publisher=[[Audit Bureau of Circulations (India)|Audit Bureau of Circulations]]|access-date= 28 July 2023}}</ref>
| circulation_date = Jul – Dec 2015
| circulation_date = 2022
| sister newspapers = Sakal Times<br /> Agrowon
| sister_newspapers = Sakal Times<br /> Agrowon
| website = https://www.esakal.com/
| website = https://www.esakal.com/
}}
}}


'''''Sakal''''' ([[Marathi language|Marathi]]: सकाळ, meaning "Morning") is a [[Marathi language|Marathi]]-language daily newspaper by Sakal Media Group with its headquarters in [[Pune]], Maharashtra, India. Sakal is the flagship newspaper of the foundation publication, Sakal Media Group. It ranks among the top 10 language dailies of India and is the largest circulated [[Marathi Newspapers|Marathi newspaper]].
'''Sakal''' (lit. ''“Morning”'') is a Marathi daily newspaper published by the [[Sakal Media Group]]. Founded by [[Nanasaheb Parulekar|Nanasaheb Parulekar]] in 1932, Sakal currently has a daily circulation of approximately 1.1 million copies, distributed across major cities including Pune and [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Panchbhai |first=Manaswi |date=2025-09-11 |title=Sakal Newspaper Becomes Most Widely Read in Maharashtra, Ranked Among India’s Top 10 Newspapers |url=https://www.thebridgechronicle.com/pune/sakal-top-newspaper-maharashtra-abc-ranking |access-date=2025-11-06 |website=The Bridge Chronicle |language=en}}</ref>


[[Pratap Govindrao Pawar]] has been in the board of Sakal since 1985 and is currently the chairman of the Group. According to the Audit Bureau of Circulation's (ABC) latest report, Sakal is the highest circulated and the most sold newspaper in Maharashtra with a daily circulation of approximately 1.3&nbsp;million.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mediavataar.com/index.php/news/print/item/13700-sakal-emerges-as-the-most-read-newspaper-in-maharashtra|title=Sakal emerges as the most-read newspaper in Maharashtra|website=mediavataar.com}}</ref>
==History==
 
''Sakal'' originated during the pre-independence nationalist period.<ref name=Jeffrey>{{Cite journal|last=Jeffrey|first=Robin|title=Marathi: Big Newspapers Are Elephants|jstor=4405111 |journal=Economic and Political Weekly|year=1997|volume=32|issue=8|pages=384–388}}</ref> Its founder, Nanasaheb Parulekar, was influenced by [[Newspapers in the United States|American newspapers]] during his time at [[Columbia University]]. Although it was started as part of the nationalist cause, the Sakal newspaper transitioned, after Indian independence, into a commercially viable publication by focusing on local and rural issues around Pune.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Goel |first=Karuna |date=2016 |title=“A Critical Study & Review of Marathi News Papers in Pune Region” |journal=Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal |volume=6 |issue=6 |pages=1}}</ref>
Dr. N. P. a.k.a. [[Nanasaheb Parulekar]] was the founder of ''Sakal''.
It is published in the cities of [[Pune]], [[Mumbai]], [[Kolhapur]], [[Sangli]], [[Nashik]], [[Aurangabad, Maharashtra|Aurangabad]], [[Nanded]], [[Parbhani]], [[Solapur]], [[Nagpur]], [[Satara (city)|Satara]], [[Akola]] and [[Jalgaon]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.epapersland.com/india/sakal.html|title=Sakal Epaper – Today's Marathi Daily – Sakal Online Newspaper|website=epapersland.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>
The group's other operations consist of regional newspapers, magazines and Internet publishing, together employing over 3000 people. It hosts one of the largest Marathi websites, eSakal, which reaches to 300,000 Internet users across the globe<ref>{{cite web|url=http://konkandirect.com/1_Personalities/9_personality_journlist_cont_Narayan_Parulekar.html|title=KD|website=konkandirect.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref>


==History==
By the 1960s, Sakal had appointed full-time correspondents, each equipped with a phone, in every town in its coverage area. It organized training camps for journalists, promotions, and cultural events for readers, and published letters to the editor on its front page.<ref name="Jeffrey" />  
Sakal was a classic newspaper of the pre-independence nationalist period.<ref name=Jeffrey>{{Cite journal|last=Jeffrey|first=Robin|title=Marathi: Big Newspapers Are Elephants|jstor=4405111 |journal=Economic and Political Weekly|year=1997|volume=32|issue=8|pages=384–388}}</ref> Its idealistic founder, Dr. N.P. alias [[Nanasaheb Parulekar]] had been influenced by American newspapers during his years at [[Columbia University]]. By introducing Sakal (morning) to advance [[Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi|Mahatma Gandhi]]'s movement for independence, he also showed the path to genuine daily journalism in Marathi.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://jsonpedia.org/annotate/resource/html/en:Sakal|title= Abstract|access-date=1 May 2015}}</ref>
Though it was started as a part of the nationalist cause, after Indian independence, Sakal newspaper established itself as a successful business by reporting on day-to-day concerns, not just of Pune but also of its rural neighborhoods. By the 1960s, Sakal appointed full-time correspondents, each with a telephone, in every town in its neighborhood. It ran training camps for its journalists, promotions and cultural events for its readers and letters to the editor on its front page.<ref name=Jeffrey/> Under Nanasaheb Parulekar, the paper maintained strict political neutrality and endorsed candidates for local, state or National elections purely on the basis of their merit.


When Dr. Parulekar died in 1973, he left the paper with many good practices and rich traditions. It survived the first shocks of India's revolution in newspaper technology and carried on for more than 10 years.
Under Nanasaheb Parulekar, the paper was described as maintaining political neutrality and endorsing candidates for local, state, or national elections when deemed suitable.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}


Pratap Pawar took over Sakal in 1985.<ref name="rishabhdara.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rishabhdara.com/sc/view.php?case=20050|title=SMT. CLAUDE-LILA PARULEKAR versus M/S. SAKAL PAPERS PVT. LTD. & ORS|website=rishabhdara.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pal|first1=R|title=Smt. Claude-Lila Parulekar vs M/S. Sakal Papers Pvt. Ltd. & Ors on 18 March, 2005|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1594596/|website=/indiankanoon.org|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> The Pawar family turned the paper into a public limited company in 1989, and Pratap Pawar became the managing director.
When Nanasaheb Parulekar died in 1973, the paper continued operating with practices established during his tenure. It survived the initial changes brought by advancements in newspaper technology and continued for over 10 years. [[Pratap Govindrao Pawar|Pratap Pawar]] joined the board of Sakal in 1985.<ref name="rishabhdara.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.rishabhdara.com/sc/view.php?case=20050|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002130409/http://www.rishabhdara.com/sc/view.php?case=20050|url-status=usurped|archive-date=2 October 2013|title=SMT. CLAUDE-LILA PARULEKAR versus M/S. SAKAL PAPERS PVT. LTD. & ORS|website=rishabhdara.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Pal|first1=R|title=Smt. Claude-Lila Parulekar vs M/S. Sakal Papers Pvt. Ltd. & Ors on 18 March, 2005|url=https://indiankanoon.org/doc/1594596/|website=/indiankanoon.org|access-date=28 April 2016}}</ref> Pawar converted the paper into a [[public limited company]] in 1989, becoming its managing director.<ref>{{Cite web| title=A Critical Study & Review of Marathi News Papers in Pune Region | url=http://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2016/28.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418200752/http://www.oiirj.org/oiirj/nov-dec2016/28.pdf | archive-date=2021-04-18}}</ref> As of 2025, Pawar is chairman of the group.{{citation needed|date=December 2025}}


===List of editors chronologically===
===List of editors===
* N. B. Parulekar – 1 January 1932 to 31 December 1943
* N. B. Parulekar – 1 January 1932 to 31 December 1943
* Ramchandra Balawant a.k.a. Babasaheb Ghorpade – 1 January 1944 to 20 February 1951
* Ramchandra Balawant (also known as Babasaheb Ghorpade) – 1 January 1944 to 20 February 1951
* N. B. Parulekar – 21 February 1951 to 8 January 1973
* N. B. Parulekar – 21 February 1951 to 8 January 1973
* Shridhar a.k.a. S. G. Mungekar – 9 January 1973 to 9 February 1985
* Shridhar (S. G. Mungekar)– 9 January 1973 to 9 February 1985
* V. D. Ranade – 10 February 1985 to 30 April 1987
* V. D. Ranade – 10 February 1985 to 30 April 1987
* S. K. Kulkarni – 1 May 1987 to 31 July 1987
* S. K. Kulkarni – 1 May 1987 to 31 July 1987
* [[Vijay Kuwalekar]] – 1 August 1987 to 7 August 2000
* Vijay Kuwalekar – 1 August 1987 to 7 August 2000
* Anant Dixit – 8 August 2000 to 15 July 2005
* Anant Dixit – 8 August 2000 to 15 July 2005
* [[Yamaji Malkar]] – 16 July 2005 to 9 May 2009
* Yamaji Malkar – 16 July 2005 to 9 May 2009
* [[Uttam Kamble]] – 10 May 2009 to 31 July 2012 (Editor in Chief)
* [[Uttam Kamble]] – 10 May 2009 to 31 July 2012 (Editor in Chief)
* Shriram Pawar – 1 August 2012 to 28 February 2018 (Editor in Chief)
* Shriram Pawar – 1 August 2012 to 28 February 2018 (Editor in Chief)
* Rahul Gadpale – 1 March 2018 – till date (Editor in Chief)
* Nand Kumar Sutar - 1 May 2013 to 16 June 2019 (Executive Editor)
* Rahul Gadpale – 1 March 2018 – to date (Editor in Chief)


== Current status of the group ==
== Operations ==
Abhijit Pawar is currently the managing director of the group.<ref name="auto"/>Under his leadership, group has launched the first and only agriculture daily, '''Agrowon'''. The official website states that it is "first media company to organize events & exhibitions as well as the first media group to implement 6-sigma processes across the company."
Abhijit Pawar is currently the managing director of the group.<ref name="auto" /> In 2021, the group launched Agrowon, described as the first and only agriculture daily. The official website states that it is the "first media company to organize events & exhibitions as well as the first media group to implement 6-sigma processes across the company." The company recently launched 515 agriculture marts in [[Maharashtra]] under the name of Agrowon Agrotech.<ref>[https://theoutreach.in/pune-based-consultancy-to-launch-indias-first-agri-collective/ Pune based consultany to launch India's first agri collective] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110101954/https://theoutreach.in/pune-based-consultancy-to-launch-indias-first-agri-collective/ |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.agrowonmart.com/home/about-us/index.html |title=Helping Farmers With Smart Solution {{!}} Sakal Media Group {{!}} Agrowon Mart |website=www.agrowonmart.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110111925/https://www.agrowonmart.com/home/about-us/index.html |archive-date=10 November 2021}}</ref>
 
==Controversies==
 
In 2005, the [[Supreme Court of India]] directed ''Sakal Papers Pvt Ltd'' to pay Rs 3 crore to one of its directors, Claude-Lila Parulekar (daughter of founder [[Nanasaheb Parulekar]]) for illegal transfer of 3,510 of her shares in the company to Pratap Pawar's group.
<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sc-orders-sakal-to-pay-rs-3-crore-to-its-director/208594/|title=SC orders Sakal to pay Rs 3 crore to its director|agency=Press Trust of India|date=12 April 2005|newspaper=Business Standard |location=India|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref><ref name="rishabhdara.com"/><ref name="Aggarwal1989">{{cite book|author=S. K. Aggarwal|title=Media Credibility|url=https://books.google.com/?id=hDmn6LI_ZDEC&pg=PA228|year=1989|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-157-1|pages=227–235}}</ref>
 
==Pull outs, sections and multimedia==
 
* '''Today''' – Sakal started a separate pull out for local content. A traditional Marathi newspaper, Sakal adopted ‘Today’, an English title of the pullout. In 2006 – 2007, ‘Today’ was launched across all major cities of Maharashtra. Pune edition initiated the pull out on 14 August 2006. It opened new avenues for local content as well local advertisers.
* '''Garcia Design''' – It concentrated on multimedia activities and emerged as a Multimedia House. Newspaper designer Mario Garcia (Sr.) redesigned Sakal newspaper in year 2007–2008. The new look of Sakal was flashy, energetic and colorful. The masthead of Sakal changed to blue reverse. Garcia Design was implemented successfully across the Maharashtra.
* '''Newzine''' – In 2010 Sakal adopted Newzine style of presenting the news. Newzine is the newly coined word derived from the News in the Form of Magazine. The word Newzine is in use since 2008 – 2009. This style gives detailed view focusing future insights for the readers, besides including contents that give an edge in their quest for better practices and prosperity. It took initiatives in solving key issues affecting the people.
* '''Features''' – It has weekly supplements for the targeted sectors. Saptrang (सप्तरंग) for family (Sunday), Jobz for employment (Tuesday), Pratibimb for hyper-local content (Thursday), Family Doctor for holistic and [[Ayurveda|ayurvedic]] approach to health (Friday) and Balmitra (बालमित्र) for children (Saturday).
* '''Masthead''' – Its masthead is dark blue in color. Earlier the masthead was black. Each Sunday it used to publish red masthead. In year 2008 the masthead was changed to blue reverse. Masthead undergone many changes from style to typography. [[File:Today Masthead.jpg|thumb|Today Masthead]]
* '''Tagline''' – Present tagline of Daily Sakal is ‘Uday Bhavishyapatracha’ (उदय भविष्यपत्राचा). Its literally meaning is "rise of the future newspaper". The ideology behind the tag line is that the content is to consolidate its readers' awareness about the future. Earlier the tag line was ‘Mitra Navya Shatkacha’ (मित्र नव्या शतकाचा). Its literally meaning is ‘A friend of the New Century.’
 
Sakal's '''multimedia platforms''' are as follows.
 
* '''Mobile app''' – Sakal news was made available on smart mobiles through native apps. For Apple and [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pingaala.vyasa.sakal Android]
* '''eSakal.com—Website''', www.eSakal.com also adopted new design designed by Mario Garcia (Jr.). It added interactivity. Also, epaper facility launched for various publications including Sakal. News-updates, interactive features, citizen journalism, dialogue with the users are the key elements of the website. The website consist of epaper facility for the user.
* '''SMS''' – Sakal initiated Push SMS service; Sakal Live; for its registered users. It has started 54321 SMS short-code to serve News alerts and engagement activities with its readers. Many of users receive regular news updates from this service.
* '''Saam TV''' – In year 2008, Sakal entered into Television business With a Marathi GEC (General Entertainment Channel), Saam TV.
* '''3&nbsp;km App''': 3&nbsp;km is a hyperlocal platform which connects neighbourhoods allowing you to read the news from your locality, shop from local businesses & promote your business hyper-locally. It's an initiative by Sakal and Powered by Bulb and Key.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.esakal.com/pune/pune-tulshibag-global-sakal-3km-application-389472|title=Pune Tulsibag Global Sakal 3km Application|agency=Press Trust of India|date=25 December 2020|newspaper=Sakal |location=Pune}}</ref>


==Events==
==Events==
Events and activities is integral part of new Sakal. It arranges events targeting Education, Agriculture, Travel-Tourism, Business etc. Its international event, ‘EDUCON’ has now become the center stage for Vice Chancellors from across the India, to present their vision about Indian higher education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.educationnewsindia.com/2011_09_11_archive.html|title=Educationnewsindia.com|website=educationnewsindia.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref> Property Mahayatra, Education Mahayatra, MPL, Pune Shopping Festivals, Family Health, Sakal Shopping Festivals, Sakal Edugain, Sakal Investneet, Sakal Vastu, Sakal Shagun etc. are other some of the other events. The Group started clubs for the targeted audience events, Madhurangan (मधुरांगण) for women, Young Buzz and Sakal NIE (Newspaper in Education), Family Doctor Club are a few to mention.
The group organizes events and activities that target a variety of sectors such as education, agriculture, travel-tourism, and business. Its international event, 'EDUCON', serves as a forum for Vice-Chancellors from across India to present their vision for Indian higher education.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.educationnewsindia.com/2011_09_11_archive.html|title=Educationnewsindia.com|website=educationnewsindia.com|access-date=9 April 2018}}</ref> Other events include Property Mahayatra, Education Mahayatra, MPL, Pune Shopping Festivals, Family Health, Sakal Edugain, Sakal Investneet, Sakal Vastu, and Sakal Shagun. The Group has established clubs for specific audiences, such as Madhurangan (मधुरांगण) for women, Young Buzz and Sakal NIE (Newspaper in Education), and Family Doctor Club.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}


===Pune Bus Day===
===Pune Bus Day===
Pune bus day is an event created by Sakal Media Group. The initiative was the company managing director Abhijit Pawar's brainchild and was taken to improve traffic condition of [[Pune]] city.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/transformation-through-respect-5-questions-with-abhijit-pawar/articleshow/50352917.cms|title=Transformation Through Respect: 5 Questions with Abhijit Pawar|website=Business Insider}}</ref> For Pune Bus Day, Sakal Media Group has taken an initiative to arrange 1,500 buses to the existing fleet of 1,650 PMPML buses and demonstrate how the use of optimum number of buses with high frequency can actually reduce the traffic congestion which are rampant in the city. The tagline of the initiative is 'Come, let's travel by PMPML bus on 1 November 2012'.  
Pune Bus Day was an event organized by Sakal Media Group. The initiative, led by company managing director Abhijit Pawar, aimed to address traffic congestion in [[Pune]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.in/transformation-through-respect-5-questions-with-abhijit-pawar/articleshow/50352917.cms|title=Transformation Through Respect: 5 Questions with Abhijit Pawar|website=Business Insider}}</ref> For Pune Bus Day, Sakal Media Group aimed to arrange 1,500 buses to supplement the existing fleet of 1,650 PMPML buses, demonstrating how using a sufficient number of buses with high frequency could potentially reduce traffic congestion. The tagline for the initiative was "Come, let's travel by PMPML bus on 1 November 2012".<br />At the time,{{when|date=August 2024}} the perceived lack of sufficient buses prompted commuters to opt for private vehicles, contributing to issues like traffic congestion, vehicular pollution, and accidents. According to a study conducted by city-based NGO Parisar in 2009–10, the bus service run by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) was found to be comparatively expensive, with lower service quality and a higher breakdown rate when compared to transport utilities in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}
<br />
Presently, the lack of sufficient buses forces commuters to opt for private vehicles thus adding to problems like traffic congestion, vehicular pollution and increasing accidents. According to a study conducted by city-based NGO Parisar in 2009–10, the bus service run by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML), was the most expensive, the worst in service and had the highest breakdown rate when compared to transport utilities run in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Delhi.


A web based portal gives information about the bus route and other details which was developed by a pune based IT company. This portal carries real time information on bus schedules as provided by the PMPML
A web portal developed by a Pune-based IT company provided information about bus routes and other details, utilizing real-time information on bus schedules from the PMPML.{{Citation needed|date=December 2025}}


=== Pune Half Marathon ===
=== Pune Half Marathon ===
Pune Half Marathon is another popular event that falls under the Sakal Media Group's initiative. The event was incepted in 2018 with 'wellness' and 'fitness' of residents of Pune at its core. The second edition was held on 22 December 2019, and saw participation from over 20,000 runners across the country.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/myfa-sports/bajaj-allianz-pune-half-marathon-sees-massive-turnout-44485|title=Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon sees massive turnout|website=Sakal Times|date=24 December 2019}}</ref> US Olympian [[Janet Cherobon-Bawcom]] was the event ambassador for the 2019 edition that focused primarily on uplifting of the Indian running community.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/us-olympian-cherobon-bawcom-joins-pune-half-marathon-as-ambassador/articleshow/72085265.cms|title=US Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom joins Pune Half Marathon as ambassador|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
The Pune Half Marathon is another event organized by the Sakal Media Group. The event was launched in 2018 with a focus on promoting wellness and fitness among Pune residents. The second event was held on 22 December 2019, and saw participation from over 20,000 runners.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/myfa-sports/bajaj-allianz-pune-half-marathon-sees-massive-turnout-44485|title=Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon sees massive turnout|website=Sakal Times|date=24 December 2019}}</ref> US Olympian [[Janet Cherobon-Bawcom]] was the event ambassador for the 2019 race, which focused on supporting the Indian running community.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/athletics/us-olympian-cherobon-bawcom-joins-pune-half-marathon-as-ambassador/articleshow/72085265.cms|title=US Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom joins Pune Half Marathon as ambassador|website=The Times of India|date=16 November 2019 }}</ref>


The first edition in 2018 saw the race collaborating with Dr Jack Daniels, a former Olympic medalist who is regarded as the world's best running coach. One of the USP's of the race was its collaboration with Dr Daniel's The RUN Smart Project that devised free individualized training plans for the participants. Dr Daniels provided specialized training talks to the participants and also mentored the whole process contributing to the successful execution of the event.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/sports/dr-jack-daniels-conduct-workshop-pune-26492|title=Dr Jack Daniels to conduct workshops in Pune|website=Sakal Times|date=17 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/pune-half-marathon-returns-to-be-held-on-december-22/1658372|title=Pune Half Marathon returns on December 22|website=Outlook India}}</ref> Celebrated American runner [[Ryan Hall (runner)|Ryan Hall]] was the event ambassador for Pune Half Marathon 2018<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/others/you/get-ready-get-set-and-go/articleshow/66658700.cms|title=Ready, get, set and go|website=Pune Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/pune/ryan-hall-be-city-pune-half-marathon-28765|title=Ryan Hall to be in city for Pune Half Marathon|date=6 December 2018}}</ref>
The first event in 2018 collaborated with [[Jack Daniels (coach)|Jack Daniels]], a former Olympic medalist described as a prominent running coach. The event collaborated with Daniels' project, "The RUN Smart Project", which devised free training plans for participants. Daniels provided training talks and mentored aspects of the event execution.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/sports/dr-jack-daniels-conduct-workshop-pune-26492|title=Dr Jack Daniels to conduct workshops in Pune|website=Sakal Times|date=17 October 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/pune-half-marathon-returns-to-be-held-on-december-22/1658372|title=Pune Half Marathon returns on December 22|website=Outlook India}}</ref> In addition, American runner [[Ryan Hall (runner)|Ryan Hall]] was the event ambassador for Pune Half Marathon 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://punemirror.indiatimes.com/others/you/get-ready-get-set-and-go/articleshow/66658700.cms|title=Ready, get, set and go|website=Pune Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakaltimes.com/pune/ryan-hall-be-city-pune-half-marathon-28765|title=Ryan Hall to be in city for Pune Half Marathon|date=6 December 2018}}</ref>


Bajaj Allianz were the title sponsors for the race in its first two editions.
[[Bajaj Group|Bajaj Allianz]] were the title sponsors for the first two editions of the race.


==Books and publications==
==Publications==
Other publications include the English-language daily (that replaced The Maharashtra Herald), Gomantak, Gomantak Times, a Marathi and English language dailies respectively published from neighboring State of Goa. Agrowon, the first ever daily dedicated to agriculture and farming. Apart from these main issues many supplements are issued from Sakal Media Group like Pratibimb, Young Buzz, posiview(Financial supplement), Job Buzz etc.
The Group's publications include the English-language daily (which replaced ''The Maharashtra Herald''), ''Gomantak'', and ''Gomantak Times'', Marathi and English language dailies published from Goa, respectively. ''Agrowon'' is a daily dedicated to agriculture. The group also publishes several supplements, such as Pratibimb, Young Buzz, positive (Financial supplement), and Job Buzz.
Sakal also publishes several books each month. It has a books publishing division to ranging from all variety of sections such as health, entertainment, sports, spiritual, children etc. ‘Ayurvediya Garbhsanskar’ by Shri. Balaji Tambe;  ‘Timeless Inspirator’ edited by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, a comic strip book of Chintoo are some of the popular titles published by this division.{{citation needed|date=October 2012}}
Sakal also has a book publishing division that covers various subjects, including health, entertainment, sports, spiritual, and children's literature. Published titles include ''Ayurvediya Garbhsanskar'' by Shri. Balaji Tambe and ''Timeless Inspirator'' edited by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, as well as a comic strip book of [[Chintoo]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pawar |first1=Abhijit |title=News and Publishing {{!}} Sakal Media Group |url=https://www.sakalmediagroup.com/media-businesses/news-and-publishing/ |website=Sakal Media Group Website}}</ref>[[File:Tanishka Logo.jpg|thumb|Tanishka Logo]]
 
=== Magazines ===
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2025}}
Sakal Group publishes several magazines, such as ''Sakal Saptahik'' (सकाळ साप्ताहिक). According to a 2010 Indian Readership Survey, Saptahik Sakal was the most popular magazine in Maharashtra.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=IRS 2010 Q1: Top Regional Magazines |url=https://www.bestmediainfo.com/2010/08/irs-2010-q1-top-magazines-in-regional-markets/ |access-date=2025-07-05 |website=bestmediainfo.com |language=en}}</ref> Tanishka (तनिष्का) is a monthly magazine for women, and ''Premier'' (प्रीमियर) is a monthly magazine covering the entertainment industry.


==Sakal Social Foundation==
==Sakal Social Foundation==
[[File:Tanishka Logo.jpg|thumb|Tanishka Logo]]
{{Unreferenced section|date=May 2025}}
A social wing for the welfare of the society, Sakal Social Foundation works mainly in Maharashtra.
Sakal Social Foundation is a social initiative wing of the Group that works primarily in Maharashtra, focusing on areas such as health, poverty, education, environment, and governance.
Health, poverty, education, environment, governance are some of its prime areas of work.


==Magazines==
==Controversies==
Sakal Group has variety of magazines. [http://www.saptahiksakal.com Sakal Saptahik] (सकाळ साप्ताहिक). Sakal Saptahik stands at top in IRS (Indian Readership Survey).<ref>BestMediaInfo Bureau, Delhi, 10 May 2010 [http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2010/08/irs-2010-q1-top-magazines-in-regional-markets/ IRS 2010 Q1: Top Magazines In Regional Markets] (Accessed on 25 October 2012)</ref> [http://www.tanishkawomen.com Tanishka] (तनिष्का) is a monthly magazine targeting women readers. Premier (प्रीमियर) is the entertainment magazine publishes ins and outs of entertainment industry every month.
In 2005, the [[Supreme Court of India]] ruled against Sakal in a case involving the unauthorized transfer of shares belonging to the late Claude-Lila Parulekar, daughter of the founder. In conclusion, the court ordered the company to pay ₹3 crore rupees in compensation.<ref>{{cite news |date=12 April 2005 |title=SC orders Sakal to pay Rs 3 crore to its director |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/sc-orders-sakal-to-pay-rs-3-crore-to-its-director/208594/ |access-date=9 April 2018 |newspaper=Business Standard |location=India |agency=Press Trust of India}}</ref><ref name="rishabhdara.com" /><ref name="Aggarwal1989">{{cite book |author=S. K. Aggarwal |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hDmn6LI_ZDEC&pg=PA228 |title=Media Credibility |publisher=Mittal Publications |year=1989 |isbn=978-81-7099-157-1 |pages=227–235}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 116: Line 87:


[[Category:Marathi-language newspapers]]
[[Category:Marathi-language newspapers]]
[[Category:Publications established in 1932]]
[[Category:Newspapers established in 1932]]
[[Category:Newspapers published in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Newspapers published in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Mass media in Pune]]
[[Category:Mass media in Pune]]
[[Category:Mass media in Nagpur]]
[[Category:Mass media in Nagpur]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in India]]
[[Category:1932 establishments in India]]

Latest revision as of 12:47, 8 January 2026


Sakal
Daily Sakal's first issue. Published on 1 January 1932.
"Rise of the future newspaper" (उदय भविष्यपत्राचा)
TypeDaily newspaper
FormatBroadsheet
Owner(s)Sakal Media Group[1]
LanguageMarathi
Headquarters595, Budhwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
Circulation1,064,721 daily[2] (as of 2022)
Websitehttps://www.esakal.com/

Sakal (lit. “Morning”) is a Marathi daily newspaper published by the Sakal Media Group. Founded by Nanasaheb Parulekar in 1932, Sakal currently has a daily circulation of approximately 1.1 million copies, distributed across major cities including Pune and Mumbai.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

Sakal originated during the pre-independence nationalist period.[4] Its founder, Nanasaheb Parulekar, was influenced by American newspapers during his time at Columbia University. Although it was started as part of the nationalist cause, the Sakal newspaper transitioned, after Indian independence, into a commercially viable publication by focusing on local and rural issues around Pune.[5]

By the 1960s, Sakal had appointed full-time correspondents, each equipped with a phone, in every town in its coverage area. It organized training camps for journalists, promotions, and cultural events for readers, and published letters to the editor on its front page.[4]

Under Nanasaheb Parulekar, the paper was described as maintaining political neutrality and endorsing candidates for local, state, or national elections when deemed suitable.[citation needed]

When Nanasaheb Parulekar died in 1973, the paper continued operating with practices established during his tenure. It survived the initial changes brought by advancements in newspaper technology and continued for over 10 years. Pratap Pawar joined the board of Sakal in 1985.[6][7] Pawar converted the paper into a public limited company in 1989, becoming its managing director.[8] As of 2025, Pawar is chairman of the group.[citation needed]

List of editors[edit | edit source]

  • N. B. Parulekar – 1 January 1932 to 31 December 1943
  • Ramchandra Balawant (also known as Babasaheb Ghorpade) – 1 January 1944 to 20 February 1951
  • N. B. Parulekar – 21 February 1951 to 8 January 1973
  • Shridhar (S. G. Mungekar)– 9 January 1973 to 9 February 1985
  • V. D. Ranade – 10 February 1985 to 30 April 1987
  • S. K. Kulkarni – 1 May 1987 to 31 July 1987
  • Vijay Kuwalekar – 1 August 1987 to 7 August 2000
  • Anant Dixit – 8 August 2000 to 15 July 2005
  • Yamaji Malkar – 16 July 2005 to 9 May 2009
  • Uttam Kamble – 10 May 2009 to 31 July 2012 (Editor in Chief)
  • Shriram Pawar – 1 August 2012 to 28 February 2018 (Editor in Chief)
  • Nand Kumar Sutar - 1 May 2013 to 16 June 2019 (Executive Editor)
  • Rahul Gadpale – 1 March 2018 – to date (Editor in Chief)

Operations[edit | edit source]

Abhijit Pawar is currently the managing director of the group.[1] In 2021, the group launched Agrowon, described as the first and only agriculture daily. The official website states that it is the "first media company to organize events & exhibitions as well as the first media group to implement 6-sigma processes across the company." The company recently launched 515 agriculture marts in Maharashtra under the name of Agrowon Agrotech.[9][10]

Events[edit | edit source]

The group organizes events and activities that target a variety of sectors such as education, agriculture, travel-tourism, and business. Its international event, 'EDUCON', serves as a forum for Vice-Chancellors from across India to present their vision for Indian higher education.[11] Other events include Property Mahayatra, Education Mahayatra, MPL, Pune Shopping Festivals, Family Health, Sakal Edugain, Sakal Investneet, Sakal Vastu, and Sakal Shagun. The Group has established clubs for specific audiences, such as Madhurangan (मधुरांगण) for women, Young Buzz and Sakal NIE (Newspaper in Education), and Family Doctor Club.[citation needed]

Pune Bus Day[edit | edit source]

Pune Bus Day was an event organized by Sakal Media Group. The initiative, led by company managing director Abhijit Pawar, aimed to address traffic congestion in Pune.[12] For Pune Bus Day, Sakal Media Group aimed to arrange 1,500 buses to supplement the existing fleet of 1,650 PMPML buses, demonstrating how using a sufficient number of buses with high frequency could potentially reduce traffic congestion. The tagline for the initiative was "Come, let's travel by PMPML bus on 1 November 2012".
At the time,[when?] the perceived lack of sufficient buses prompted commuters to opt for private vehicles, contributing to issues like traffic congestion, vehicular pollution, and accidents. According to a study conducted by city-based NGO Parisar in 2009–10, the bus service run by the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) was found to be comparatively expensive, with lower service quality and a higher breakdown rate when compared to transport utilities in Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Delhi.[citation needed]

A web portal developed by a Pune-based IT company provided information about bus routes and other details, utilizing real-time information on bus schedules from the PMPML.[citation needed]

Pune Half Marathon[edit | edit source]

The Pune Half Marathon is another event organized by the Sakal Media Group. The event was launched in 2018 with a focus on promoting wellness and fitness among Pune residents. The second event was held on 22 December 2019, and saw participation from over 20,000 runners.[13] US Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom was the event ambassador for the 2019 race, which focused on supporting the Indian running community.[14]

The first event in 2018 collaborated with Jack Daniels, a former Olympic medalist described as a prominent running coach. The event collaborated with Daniels' project, "The RUN Smart Project", which devised free training plans for participants. Daniels provided training talks and mentored aspects of the event execution.[15][16] In addition, American runner Ryan Hall was the event ambassador for Pune Half Marathon 2018.[17][18]

Bajaj Allianz were the title sponsors for the first two editions of the race.

Publications[edit | edit source]

The Group's publications include the English-language daily (which replaced The Maharashtra Herald), Gomantak, and Gomantak Times, Marathi and English language dailies published from Goa, respectively. Agrowon is a daily dedicated to agriculture. The group also publishes several supplements, such as Pratibimb, Young Buzz, positive (Financial supplement), and Job Buzz.

Sakal also has a book publishing division that covers various subjects, including health, entertainment, sports, spiritual, and children's literature. Published titles include Ayurvediya Garbhsanskar by Shri. Balaji Tambe and Timeless Inspirator edited by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, as well as a comic strip book of Chintoo.[19]

Tanishka Logo

Magazines[edit | edit source]

Sakal Group publishes several magazines, such as Sakal Saptahik (सकाळ साप्ताहिक). According to a 2010 Indian Readership Survey, Saptahik Sakal was the most popular magazine in Maharashtra.[20] Tanishka (तनिष्का) is a monthly magazine for women, and Premier (प्रीमियर) is a monthly magazine covering the entertainment industry.

Sakal Social Foundation[edit | edit source]

Sakal Social Foundation is a social initiative wing of the Group that works primarily in Maharashtra, focusing on areas such as health, poverty, education, environment, and governance.

Controversies[edit | edit source]

In 2005, the Supreme Court of India ruled against Sakal in a case involving the unauthorized transfer of shares belonging to the late Claude-Lila Parulekar, daughter of the founder. In conclusion, the court ordered the company to pay ₹3 crore rupees in compensation.[21][6][22]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Official website of Sakal Media Group Archived 30 April 2024 at the Wayback Machine (Accessed on 24 September 2013)
  2. ↑ "Highest Circulated Dailies, Weeklies & Magazines amongst Member Publications (across languages)" (PDF). Audit Bureau of Circulations. Retrieved 28 July 2023.
  3. ↑ Panchbhai, Manaswi (11 September 2025). "Sakal Newspaper Becomes Most Widely Read in Maharashtra, Ranked Among India's Top 10 Newspapers". The Bridge Chronicle. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Jeffrey, Robin (1997). "Marathi: Big Newspapers Are Elephants". Economic and Political Weekly. 32 (8): 384–388. JSTOR 4405111.
  5. ↑ Goel, Karuna (2016). ""A Critical Study & Review of Marathi News Papers in Pune Region"". Online International Interdisciplinary Research Journal. 6 (6): 1.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "SMT. CLAUDE-LILA PARULEKAR versus M/S. SAKAL PAPERS PVT. LTD. & ORS". rishabhdara.com. Archived from the original on 2 October 2013. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  7. ↑ Pal, R. "Smt. Claude-Lila Parulekar vs M/S. Sakal Papers Pvt. Ltd. & Ors on 18 March, 2005". /indiankanoon.org. Retrieved 28 April 2016.
  8. ↑ "A Critical Study & Review of Marathi News Papers in Pune Region" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 April 2021.
  9. ↑ Pune based consultany to launch India's first agri collective Archived 2021-11-10 at the Wayback Machine
  10. ↑ "Helping Farmers With Smart Solution | Sakal Media Group | Agrowon Mart". www.agrowonmart.com. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021.
  11. ↑ "Educationnewsindia.com". educationnewsindia.com. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  12. ↑ "Transformation Through Respect: 5 Questions with Abhijit Pawar". Business Insider.
  13. ↑ "Bajaj Allianz Pune Half Marathon sees massive turnout". Sakal Times. 24 December 2019.
  14. ↑ "US Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom joins Pune Half Marathon as ambassador". The Times of India. 16 November 2019.
  15. ↑ "Dr Jack Daniels to conduct workshops in Pune". Sakal Times. 17 October 2018.
  16. ↑ "Pune Half Marathon returns on December 22". Outlook India.
  17. ↑ "Ready, get, set and go". Pune Mirror.
  18. ↑ "Ryan Hall to be in city for Pune Half Marathon". 6 December 2018.
  19. ↑ Pawar, Abhijit. "News and Publishing | Sakal Media Group". Sakal Media Group Website.
  20. ↑ "IRS 2010 Q1: Top Regional Magazines". bestmediainfo.com. Retrieved 5 July 2025.
  21. ↑ "SC orders Sakal to pay Rs 3 crore to its director". Business Standard. India. Press Trust of India. 12 April 2005. Retrieved 9 April 2018.
  22. ↑ S. K. Aggarwal (1989). Media Credibility. Mittal Publications. pp. 227–235. ISBN 978-81-7099-157-1.
Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sakal&oldid=464353"
Discover more