Unity key to strengthen journalist fraternity
⭕️ Stress on collective strength over competitive stress
⭕️ New Raipur district executive takes charge
⭕️ Veterans recall struggles, urge solidarity
Raipur : The oath-taking ceremony of the Raipur district unit of the State Working Journalists Union (SWJU), affiliated to the Indian Journalists Union (IJU), was held at a private hotel on Ring Road, Raipur, sending out a clear message that collective unity and organisational goodwill are the real antidote to the rising stress of competition in journalism.
Presiding over the function, State President P.C. Rath said, “At a time when journalism is evolving rapidly with multiple challenges, the biggest need is to remain united. For the past six years, the Union has been fighting for respectable wages, better working conditions, and legal rights of journalists. Our affiliation with IJU is adding national-level experience and support to our struggle.”
The newly formed district executive was administered the oath of office on the occasion. Rahul Sinha (Prasar Bharati) was named President, with Khoman Sahu (Vistar News) and Vicky Panjwani (AV News) as Vice-Presidents. Lovinder Pal Singhotra (CG24) was appointed General Secretary, Amit Bagh (IND24) as Treasurer, while Varsha Yadav (Jhutha Sach) and Harimohan Tiwari (Prime Day) took charge as Joint Secretaries. Jigyasa Chandra (Sadhna News) and Sudhir Verma (Swadesh News) were named Media In-Charges.
Veteran journalist and litterateur Girish Pankaj recalled the Union’s three-decade-old struggles and said, “Journalists today are increasingly left alone, hence it is vital to remain attached to the organisation.” Retired News Editor Ghanshyam Gupta stressed that in adverse circumstances, only the organisation becomes the real strength of journalists. Senior photojournalist Gokul Soni shared his memories of early reporting years and advised the younger generation to blend new technology with the wisdom of elders.
Press Club General Secretary Dr. Vaibhav Pandey also underlined the prevailing challenges. IJU National Executive Member Dilip Kumar Sahu appealed to journalists to participate actively in Union activities.
The programme was conducted by Varsha Yadav and Sudhir Verma. State Organisation Secretary Sudhir Azad Tamboli was congratulated for expanding the Union across Chhattisgarh.
The ceremony underlined that if the journalist fraternity stands together under the Union’s banner, not only will their rights be safeguarded but also the dignity of journalism will remain intact.
