Media plays a crucial role in nation-building, says Haryana CM

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini emphasised on the pivotal role of media in nation-building since India’s independence while describing media freedom as a cornerstone of a strong democracy and a reflection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s

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progressive vision.

The CM was speaking as the chief guest at the annual convention of the Haryana Union of Working Journalists (HUWJ), held in Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) here on Friday. Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, former minister Manish Grover, Rohtak Mayor Ram Avtar Valmiki, Baba Kapilpuri Ji Maharaj and Health University Vice Chancellor Prof HK Aggarwal were among those present at the event.

On the occasion of National Hindi Journalism Day, the CM extended his greetings and best wishes to all journalists and saluted their contributions, referring to them as the “sentinels of the pen”. He also praised journalists who use their pen in service of the nation

Addressing the gathering, CM Saini acknowledged the legacy of Maharshi Narad Muni, often considered the first journalist, and honoured the sacrifices of Guru Arjan Dev on his martyrdom day, as well as paid tribute on the birth anniversary of Arut Maharaj.

Highlighting the contribution of journalists during India’s freedom struggle, the CM noted that journalists were the true thought leaders who guide society in a new direction.

“Media is effectively fulfilling its role as the fourth pillar of democracy,” Saini said, while adding that the Haryana Government was taking significant steps to safeguard the interests of the media.

The Chief Minister stressed that the media plays a vital role in spreading awareness about government welfare schemes and in fostering public consciousness. He encouraged journalists to practice ethical journalism while informing the public about the government’s effective functioning. He assured that the state was providing a media-friendly environment to ensure journalists could write fearlessly in the interest of society.

Manmohan Kathuria, president of the HUWJ, welcomed the Chief Minister and put forth several demands on behalf of the journalist community. Among the key demands was the implementation of a cashless medical scheme for journalists.

In response, the CM announced that a notification regarding the scheme would be issued shortly to ensure its execution without any delay. He also assured the gathering that the remaining demands would also be given serious and sympathetic consideration.

Saini also announced a grant of Rs 21 lakh for the HUWJ and felicitated journalists who demonstrated outstanding work across various fields of journalism.

Senior Journalist Ajay Malhotra conducted the stage, while Lokesh Jain and Baljeet Singh presented a vote of thanks.

BJP district president Ranbir Dhaka, Divisional Commissioner PC Meena, ADGP Y Purn Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Dharmendra Singh, Chief Minister’s Media Advisor Rajiv Jaitley and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.