Journalism is the backbone of democracy; protecting the freedom of the pen is our responsibility - Saryu Rai

A grand stage  was set up in the Iron City for journalist honors.

Jamshedpur, Jharkhand.

The Jharkhand unit of the Indian Journalist Association organized a grand journalist honor ceremony and a forum at Hotel Grand in Sakchi, in the Iron City of Jamshedpur. At the event, journalists, editors, doctors, lawyers, social workers, and dignitaries from various fields who have made outstanding contributions to society, public interest, and journalism were honored with certificates and mementos.

The main objective of the event was to recognize the outstanding work of journalists who, through their pen, camera, and unbiased journalism, disseminate information about government schemes and public welfare programs to the last person in society, while also highlighting issues of public interest and bringing social problems to the attention of the government and administration.

The event began with the national anthem and the lighting of lamps.  With the lighting of the lamp, the auditorium resonated with a message of commitment to journalism, democracy, and social concerns.

Addressing the journalists, the chief guest of the event, Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Rai, said that journalism is an important cornerstone of democracy.

Journalists are the eyes and ears of society and serve as a vital bridge between the public and the government. A journalist's job is not just to publish or broadcast news, but also to highlight social problems and strengthen the voice of public interest. When a journalist fearlessly raises public issues, they strengthen the democratic system.

Seraj Ahmad Quraishi, National President and Founder of the Indian Journalist Association, said in his address that the field of journalism has become more challenging than ever before. Journalists face pressure, threats, harassment, and sometimes even assault during news gathering. Leaving journalists alone in such circumstances weakens the democratic system.

An attack on a journalist is not just an attack on an individual, but an attack on the voice of democracy and freedom of expression.  The Indian Journalist Association is continuously working to provide a strong platform to journalists across the country. The organization's objective is not only to honor journalists, but also to strongly raise its voice for their rights, dignity, safety, interests, protection, and freedom of journalism.

He said that whether a journalist is associated with print media, electronic media, digital media, web portal, or social media—if they are engaged in journalism in the public interest, the organization will stand firmly to protect their honor and rights. The Indian Journalist Association's commitment is to the respect of journalists, their rights, their safety, and the strengthening of independent journalism.

The organization will continue to raise its voice until the interests of journalists are fully protected.

 Jharkhand State President, Vijay Kumar Dutt, alias Pintu, said that journalists work to bring forth the voices of every section of society. From rural areas to cities, journalists perform their duties under difficult circumstances. He stated that the Indian Journalist Association will continue to raise its voice for the respect, rights, safety, interests, and freedom of journalism for journalists.

State Vice President Atif Khan stated that a journalist's greatest strength lies in their pen and their credibility. Instead of succumbing to pressure, journalists should strive to present facts and truth to society. He emphasized that journalism is not just a profession but also a social responsibility. Raising public issues and becoming the voice of the oppressed and deprived is the fundamental duty of journalism.

He stated that the organization will continue to strongly advocate for journalists' rights at every level.

State Secretary Mohammad Salman Khan stated that journalists face numerous challenges today. With the expansion of digital journalism, the nature of journalism is rapidly changing, but the fundamental principles of journalism remain the same—truth, impartiality, and public interest. He added that strengthening mutual unity and coordination among journalists is the need of the hour. 

The organization's objective is to bring journalists together on a single platform and raise their voices for their interests and rights.

Kolhan President Abhishek Kumar said that journalists in the Kolhan region have always highlighted public interest issues. Journalists become the voice of those in society whose voices often remain unheard.

He stated that honoring journalists is not merely an appreciation of their work but also a recognition of their responsibility to society. The organization will continue to work tirelessly for the welfare and respect of journalists in the future.

District President Manoj Sharma said that journalists fulfill their responsibilities even in difficult circumstances. Often, despite limited resources, journalists highlight issues of public interest. He said that honoring such journalists boosts their mo

rale and inspires them to pursue journalism with greater responsibility and enthusiasm. He expressed gratitude to all the officials and members of the Jharkhand unit for making the event a success.

Women District President Bilkis Khatoon said that today women are making a strong mark in the field of journalism. Women journalists are effectively highlighting social issues, women's rights, education, health, and other public interest topics.

  He said that women journalists should be provided with a safe and respectful working environment. He said that the Indian Journalist Association will continue to strongly raise its voice for the respect, safety and rights of women journalists.

Journalists who have made their distinct mark in the world of journalism through print media were honored at the function, including Editor Kavi Kumar, Editor Jai Prakash, Editor Brij Bhushan, senior journalist Sanjeev Bhardwaj alias Rintu, Mohammad Salman Khan,

Kolhan Chief Reporter Urdu Daily Qaumi Tanzeem, Dr. Rajesh Lal, Pramod Jha and other journalists.

Atif Khan and Abhishek Kumar of Samachar Times, Manoj Sharma of Yes 24, Brijraj Singh of Purvi Bharat, Anoop Srivastava of Zee Bharat, Aftab Alam Ansari of Jamshedpur Update and other journalists from the field of social media and digital journalism were awarded certificates and medals.

 Dr. Gauri Shankar Barik, Dr. Sanjeev Thakur, Dr. Pallavi Gautam, Dr. Ashraf Badar, Dr. Subodh Kumar, Dr. Ali, Subodh Srivastava, social worker Saurav Vishnu, social worker Mahabir Murmu, senior JMM leader Sheikh Badruddin, Pramod Lal, advocate Vijay Prasad, advocate Sanjay Singh, advocate Gara Ram Das, social worker Naima Hussain, social worker Jabir Hussain, social worker Santosh Gupta, social worker Neeraj Tiwari, social worker Satendra Kumar, social worker Sushmita Sarkar, City Manager Mango Municipal Corporation Nishant Kumar,

DSP Manoj Kumar, Dr. Tahir Hussain, social worker Uttam Kumar and social worker Mukhtar Alam Khan, who made excellent contributions in the field of social and public service, were also honored in the function. 

 The Indian Journalist Association National President Seraj Ahmad Quraishi, State President Vijay Kumar Dutt alias Pintu, State Vice President Atif Khan, State Secretary Mohammad Salman Khan, Kolhan President Abhishek Kumar, Kolhan Secretary Brijraj Singh,

Kolhan Vice President Vijay Singh, District President Manoj Sharma, District Executive President Biplab Das, District General Secretary Devinder Sharma, Women District President Bilkis Khatoon, District General Secretary Kashish Jain, Women Vice President Pallavi Kaur, District Organization Minister Ravi Shankar Pandey, District Vice President Zafar Imam, and all the office bearers and members of the Jharkhand unit made commendable contributions in making the event a success.

A large number of journalists, social workers, advocates, doctors, and dignitaries, including Bihari film actor Rahul Singh Rajput, were present at the event.

The ceremony conveyed the message that honoring journalists is not limited to a citation or a memento, but rather honors the voice of democracy that reaches the last person in society.

The Indian Journalist Association concluded the event by reaffirming its commitment to the respect, rights, safety, and independent journalism of journalists.