40th Foundation Day
Highlights Challenges to Free Press
New Delhi, Amid growing concerns over the decline in the standard of journalism and mounting challenges for small and medium newspapers, the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers (IFSMN) observed its 40th Foundation Day with a powerful call for unbiased, fearless journalism and collective action.Addressing a packed audience at the Jagannath Temple Meeting Hall, Hauz Khas, the Chief Guest, former Union Minister and veteran journalist M.J. Akbar emphasized the crucial role of journalists as the mirror of society. To protect their interests, journalists must first safeguard their own rights through awareness and unity. Only then can we truly uphold journalism as the fourth pillar of democracy, he asserted. Akbar warned of a “double policy” being adopted that threatens the very foundation of journalism and is particularly detrimental to small and medium newspapers.Former diplomat and IFS officer Amarend Khatua gracing the event as the Special Guest, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Despite facing countless hardships, journalists continue to reveal the truth. Yet, the government remains indifferent to the plight of small and medium publications. It is time the press sharpens its pen and speaks louder”. IFSMN National President Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantray, who presided over the function, lauded the strong turnout of journalists from across the country. He assured that all documented concerns and demands would be forwarded to relevant departments including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and respective state governments. “If necessary, we will launch a collective struggle backed by a strong policy to ensure the protection and promotion of small and medium newspapers,” he declared.The convention was seamlessly conducted by National Convener Mehtab Khan Chand and saw participation from key dignitaries and members including Secretary general Mr B.S. Deshpandey, Founding Members Shiv Prakash and K. Sanjeev, Supreme Court Advocate Sri Snehasish Mukherjee, Sushree Chandini ji, Baishnudevi temple managing trustee,former Minister Mukul Upadhyay and revered religious leader Shri Shri 1008 Sri Poojananda Giri Maharaj ,Mahamandaleswar Mr Jawahar jairath,Advisor ,IFSMN among others.Participants from various states were honoured with a symbolic turban, certificate and commendation letter in recognition of their active contribution to the field of journalism.
National treasurer Virendra kumar saini, organising secretary Mr Sushil kumar sharma,Vice presidents shankar kodala, smt kesharidevi mishra, Mr Malikarjunia, joint secretary general smt Sunita upadhyay, Mr Dhiraj kumar, Mr Narendra babu, National Council members Mr Amarnarayan swami, Mr Radheshyaam panda, Mr AL Basava gowda, Mr Udaya simha,National coordinator Satyanarayan chaturvedi, National media coordinator Navneet Rawat, Program coordinators Mr Tahir Ahamad, Mr Priyabrat nayak, chhatisgarh Coordinator Mr santosh kumar yadu, Bihar State President Amarjeet singh Moua, odisha coordinator Bhanupratap Nayak , Mr shiv shankar, Mr Durga prasad nayak, Narayan chandra golari, mrs simadri sujata, Simadri srinivas rao, Santosh kumar patro, Prashant kumar patro, sushant kumar patro, Dhiraj kumar gouda, Pradeep kumar rout, Mr Atish, Mr Alok & others were present
Eminent Journalists Dr kumar rakesh, Mr nigamananda prusti ,shakti prasad nayak, Mr Lingaraj sahu,Mr gagan biswal, we’re felicitated on this occasion
Founder members Mr Shivprakash, Mr K sanjeev along with all members, Delegates were felicitated with Mementos & certificates
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and mantra chanting By chief priest of Jagannath temple Pt Debabrat mishra
A two-minute silence was observed in tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam attack. The event concluded on a patriotic note with the rendition of the National Anthem.The convention stood as a testament to the strength, solidarity and enduring spirit of the Indian journalist community, especially those upholding truth through the often-overlooked corridors of small and medium newspapers.
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