M A I N   N E W S

Tribune’s Bathinda edition launched
S.P. Sharma
Tribune News Service

A view of the audience at the launch of The Tribune's Bathinda edition in Bathinda on Sunday. — Tribune photo by Kulbir Beera

Bathinda, October 28
The Bathinda edition of The Tribune was launched by the Punjab Chief Minister, Mr Parkash Singh Badal, at a largely attended function here this afternoon. The edition will be circulated in the Malwa belt in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.

The editions of The Tribune are already being published from Chandigarh, New Delhi, Jalandhar, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.

Dr. R.P. Bambah, Mr. Justice S.S. Sodhi, Mr. N.N. Vohra, Trustees of The Tribune, Mr H.K. Dua, Editor-in-Chief and Mr Sanjay Hazari, General Manager, were present on the occasion.

While launching the edition, the Chief Minister recalled the contributions of The Tribune in the freedom struggle and appreciated the high standard of journalism maintained by the newspaper.

Mr Badal said that the new edition was not only significant for Bathinda but for the entire Malwa region spread over three states.

Tracing the origin of The Tribune, Mr Badal said that because of the high standard maintained by its Trustees and editors, it enjoyed credibility and goodwill of the people. He described Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, founder of The Tribune, as a visionary due to whose efforts the newspaper had maintained an inseparable link with Punjab for the past about 127 years.

The Chief Minister urged the media to be fair, unbiased and sober in its reports while setting the political, social and cultural agenda of the nation. Media had every right to criticise the government, but the criticism should be healthy, Mr Badal added. He appreciated The Tribune for maintaining an independent policy and functioning like the mouthpiece of the common masses by highlighting their joys and sorrows.

The message of Mr Justice R.S. Pathak, President of The Tribune Trust, who was unable to come because of some pressing engagements, said: “Mr Chief Minister, we are grateful to you for your gracious presence here in spite of the demands on your time. But I am not surprised at your graciousness, because I believe like most of us, for you also, since your student days at Lahore, the morning cannot start without The Tribune”. The message was read out by Mr Dua.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Bambah said because of the commitment of the Tribune’s editors to the fundamental principles laid down by the founders, the Trustees did not have to interfere in their day-to-day functioning. The principle of journalistic freedom has been strictly adhered to, he added.

Turning to the Chief Minister, Dr Bambah said there may be occasions for The Tribune to undertake performance audit of and other governments, “when it would assess the extent to which you have or have not fulfilled your promises and responsibilities”. He described Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia as a visionary.

Mr Dua said that the Bathinda edition has been launched not to change the profile of the newspaper but to share the joys and sorrows of the people of the Malwa region. Punjab has remained in the forefront in ending the food shortage in the country. Though the area lagged behind in industry, one can notice the new climate of big industry coming to the Malwa region. The refinery, which is coming up here, would lead to more industry being set up in the area.

The Editor-in-Chief said the Malwa belt was facing many problems, including those of female foeticide, drugs, health care and education that will receive special attention of The Tribune which was engaged in the service of the people. The Bathinda edition will also focus on developments in South Asia and neighbouring Pakistan while giving full coverage to national developments. The new edition will be dedicated to the farmers, soldiers and people of the Malwa region, Mr Dua added.

Mr Hazari in his vote of thanks said it has been the trademark of Punjab to be in the forefront of any progressive change. Enterprise and endeavour symbolise the essential spirit of the people of Punjab. The people of the state have always put the best foot forward to serve the country, be it the green revolution or the revolution in the industrial sector.

Among others present on the occasion were Capt Kanwaljit Singh, Cooperatives Minister, M Jagdeep Singh Nakai, Chief Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Chiranji Lal Garg, former Minister, Mr Harminder Singh Jassi, Chairman of MARKFED, Mr Sukhdev Singh, Mr Jagroop Singh and Bibi Devinder Kaur, SGPC members. Several senior civil and police officers were also present.