IFWJ raises the voice of grassroots journalists in Jaipur
Discussion on saving journalism’s credibility in an era of pressure, neglect, and compromise – Working journalists in Rajasthan decide to launch their own independent digital channel
The State View Sunil Sharma
Jaipur. Journalism today is going through a period of transition and terror, where it is impossible to predict when, where, and which journalist will fall victim to autocratic power or influential systems. Even more ironic is that journalists themselves are not seen standing with each other in difficult times. In such a time, the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ) Rajasthan’s provincial conference held serious discussions on the credibility of journalism, the safety of journalists, and the rights of grassroots journalists.At the conference held on Tuesday in the auditorium of SBI Building in C-Scheme, journalist representatives from across the state expressed concern over the changing nature of journalism, corporate control, pressure from power, and the neglect of reporters working at the district and tehsil levels. It was decided at the conference that working journalists in Rajasthan would launch their own independent digital channel, providing grassroots journalists with a platform where they could highlight issues of public concern without any pressure.
*Journalism is a time of transition and terror: Rathore*
Presiding over the conference, IFWJ Rajasthan State President Upendra Singh Rathore said that the current era of journalism is a time of transition and terror for journalists. He said that under pressure from the government and the system, it is difficult to predict when, where, and which journalist will be targeted. Even more serious is the situation where journalists are shying away from standing with their fellow journalists.
He emphasized the need to communicate journalists’ rights, safety, and ground realities to the public without any hesitation. He said that the true strength of journalism lies in its independence and credibility. It is with this objective that the decision to launch IFWJ’s independent digital channel in Rajasthan has been made.
*A movement must be launched: Acharya Sanjay Tiwari*
Chief guest of the conference, Acharya Sanjay Tiwari, a senior journalist from Uttar Pradesh, recounted the organization’s historical struggles, recalling the era of Chelapati Rao and K. Vikram Rao. He said that challenges existed before and still exist today, but the difference is that today a large part of journalism is becoming entangled between the profits of owners and the pressure of power.He said that only when journalists initiate a movement on an issue will it take the form of a movement. Without a beginning, it will remain limited to discussions only.
Citing the example of Samajwadi leader Mulayam Singh Yadav, he said that to maintain its existence and influence, the organization must move forward keeping in mind all three: “discussion, expenditure, and pamphlets.” He said that unless journalists at the district and tehsil levels organize and raise their voices, the ground reality will not be strongly exposed.
*Shared four decades of journalistic experience*
Senior Kota journalist Purushottam Pachauli, sharing his four decades of experience, said that saving the reputation of journalism, which is sinking into oblivion, is the primary responsibility of every journalist today. He said that if the warriors of the pen do not abandon their compromising attitude, future generations will never forgive journalism.
State Vice President Pashupati Sharma said that a journalist is neither small nor big. His backbone, impartiality, and accountability are his true identity. He said that journalism based on consensus and compromise is becoming disconnected from the real suffering of the common people. In such a situation, journalists must return to the test of ground issues and truth to regain their credibility.
*Positive initiative regarding digital platform*
Brijmohan Ramavat, a senior journalist from Bikaner and associated with Lion Express, shared his experiences of his digital journey, saying that if one is determined to do something, the path automatically becomes easier. He assured all possible guidance and support to IFWJ Rajasthan’s proposed digital channel.
*The main focus of the meeting*
was developing an autonomous digital platform for journalists in Rajasthan. Speakers noted that mainstream media is not adequately covering many issues related to rural and grassroots concerns. In such a situation, digital platforms can become an effective bridge between grassroots journalists and the general public.
*Journalists from across the state spoke*
Senior members of the organization, Shankar Nagar and Vishnu Dutt Sharma, Kota Division in-charge Shubham Jain, Jaipur Division in-charge Shalini Srivastava, Bikaner Division in-charge of Sach Bedhadak Channel Ravi Vishnoi, Bikaner Aaj Tak Bureau member Kuldeep Charan, Kota Chairpersons Shailesh Pandey, Sawai Madhopur Rajesh Sharma, Tonk Prem Raghuvanshi, Baran Laxmichand Nagar, Hanumangarh Jugal Kishore Swami, Udaipur Paramveer Singh Dulavat, Rajsamand Suresh Chandra Bhat, Balotra Karanaram Manju, Karauli DD Saraswat, Barmer Mahendra Singh Munabao, Sikar Sandeep Hooda, Jhunjhunu Vikas Punia State Committee members Kuldeep Gupta, Nirmala Rao and Amrita Maurya, Narayan Meghwal, and other representatives expressed their views and shared the ground-level problems of their respective areas.
State Office in-charge Ganesh Prajapati assured better coordination between the district units through harmony, cooperation, and collaboration.A large number of other officials also registered their presence and consent at the meeting.
Digital channel to be operated by working journalists*
The conference decided that the proposed digital channel would be operated entirely by working journalists. It would prioritize issues in rural areas, social evils, basic public distress, administrative shortcomings, and the voices of marginalized groups.it was also agreed to develop an organizational framework regarding identity cards, security, and economic stability for active journalists at the district level.The conference also decided to organize a large event with broad representation on the organization’s foundation day on October 28th.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks after the second session. *The biggest message emerging from the conference was that the credibility of journalism is not built by any institution, owner, or power, but by the journalist’s fearless pen and his accountability to the public.*
Author: thestateview
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