A big loss to journalist fraternity during Corona period- Jammu
Jounalists must maintain integrity of profession – Ruchika
Chandigarh , October 2
The Punjab and Chandigarh Journalists Union organised a programme ‘Samvad’ in Kendri Singh Sabha on the subject of ‘ Corona – The role of Journalists and the Government’. The speakers present on the dias were Ruchika M Khanna , Bindu Singh , Dr. Piyara Lal Garg , Prof. Khushal Singh , State President of PCJU Balwinder Jammu and President of Chandigarh Unit Jai Singh Chhibber.
Ruchika M Khanna while addressing the gathering said that the journalists and newspapers had to bear a big loss during Corona period.She said that the journalists play significant role in the society and people do believe in the news published by them. Citing an example, she said that once upon a time , the son of a minister was sent to jail in a case. This incident was reported by a newspaper very much based on facts whereas it was published totally opposite to the factual situation by another newspaper.She said that when the reporter asked question on the future of the concerned leader , the chief minister confidently answered that the news of bailout was very much published by the newspaper for which the reoorter worked. So, this suggests that news making is a serious affair and it makes public perception. That is why Journalists must work to maintain diginity of the profession in all means , she added.
Bindu Singh speaking on the occasion said that the photographers , electeonic mediapersons and the journalists worked tirelessly to collect news risking their lives when deadly virus infection was spreading fast and it was really tough time for them with their limited resources. A number of fell prey to the virus and some others lost their livelihood due to sudden retrenchment which was again very terrible situation. Indeed , the journalists were working in public interest in corona period but the governments did not recognise them as Corona warriors in real terms so no support system or facilities had been provided to the families of journalists who lost their lives during that period.
Former Registrar , Baba Farid University Faridkot , Dr. Piyara Lal Garg said that he had a notion that the duty of the doctors was the most challenging but when he came in close contact with the journalists his views changed and thwn he realised that the journalists work in the toughest circumstances, he added. On one side, a journalist reports against the activities of mafia but on the other hand also criticises the wrong policies of the government. A Journalist covers disputes and controveries , sometimes, knowing about the consequences.
The General Secretary of Kendri Singh Sabha , Prof. Khushal Singh said that the journalists must include versions of the other party especially writing news based on police reports or cases , the news should not go one sided.
State President of PCJU Balwinder Jammu applauding the works and activities of the local unit said that the units should organise such interactive sessions. He said that the Union platform was becoming the ‘voice’ of the journalists fraternity nationwide. He said that the Union would continue working for the welfare of the joyrnalists and media persons.
The Patron of the Chandigarh Unit Tarlochan Singh gave welcome speech whereas president of the Chandigarh Unit Jai Singh Chhibber in his concluding speech thanks everyone present and said the series of Samvad would continue in future with the same spirit. The stage was compere by Cashier Bhupinder Singh Malik.
Others present on the occasion include Balwinder Sipray , RS Liberate , Santosh Gupta , Major Singh , Balbir Singh , Inderpreet Singh , Diya Sharma , Kuljinder Sood , Jai Parkash , Suraj , Sudhir Tawar.