Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that the media has played a crucial role in nation-building from the time of independence to the present day. Appreciating the dedication of media persons who base their writing on the national interest, he said that freedom of the media is a pillar of a strong democracy and reflects the positive vision of Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi.
The Chief Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the annual convention of the Haryana Union of Working Journalists, held on Friday in Rohtak.
On the occasion of Hindi Patrakarita Diwas (Hindi Journalism Day), he extended his congratulations and best wishes to all media persons and saluted the "sentinels of the pen." Haryana Education Minister Sh Mahipal Dhanda, former Minister Sh Manish Grover, and Baba Kapilpuri Ji Maharaj were present as special guests. The Chief Minister formally inaugurated the convention by lighting the ceremonial lamp.
Nayab Singh Saini, while addressing the media persons who are performing the duty of journalism being a descendant of Maharishi Narad Muni, said that this day also holds spiritual significance as a time to pay tribute to the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Shri Guru Arjan Dev Ji, who sacrificed his life to protect religion. He also paid homage to Arut Ji Maharaj on his birth anniversary. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) is becoming a reality, with the nation steadily advancing towards global leadership.
Highlighting the role of media persons in the country’s freedom movement, Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that media persons have always played a pivotal role in shaping society and continue to guide it with their insightful contributions. He emphasized that, with their constant support, the nation is progressing steadily.
Acknowledging the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, he added that the Haryana Government is committed to safeguarding the interests of the media and is taking effective steps in this direction.
Nayab Singh Saini said that the media plays a vital role in ensuring that government welfare schemes reach the common people. He praised the media’s active involvement in not only helping beneficiary’s access these schemes but also in raising awareness within society.
Encouraging the media fraternity to uphold ethical journalism, he urged them to highlight the government’s efficient functioning. He assured that the government is fostering a media-friendly environment where media persons can exercise their freedom fearlessly in the interest of society.
The Chief Minister announced a grant of Rs. 21 lakh at the annual convention of the Haryana Union of Working Journalists. He also assured the union that their demands would be considered sympathetically.
On this occasion, Mayor, Rohtak Municipal Corporation, Sh Ramavatar Balmiki; BJP District President Sh Ranbir Dhaka; Divisional Commissioner Sh P.C. Meena; ADGP Y. Puran Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Sh Dharmender Singh; Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Sh Rajiv Jaitley; and other dignitaries were also present.