“A Journalist Writes Without Fear – That’s the Strength of Democracy”: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Kota: "Journalists don’t live for themselves, but for society. They write with their pen without fear or personal concern, even putting aside family worries. In democracy, differences in thought and opinion are natural—but consensus and open dialogue are what give democracy its strength,” said **Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla** while addressing the *Nav Samvatsar and Holi Milan* celebration organized by the **Greater Kota Press Club** on Saturday at Purusharth Bhawan, Gobariya Bawdi Chauraha.

Speaking as the **Chief Guest**, Birla acknowledged the critical role of journalists, especially those from small towns, in bringing the issues of marginalized communities to the government’s attention. He stated, “Fearless journalism is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. Journalists often sacrifice their own time and priorities to amplify the voice of the common man. Their contribution to societal reform through journalism is priceless.”

He also highlighted the need for collective efforts in developing his parliamentary constituency, focusing on tourism, infrastructure, and overall progress. Discussions, he said, should be held on how to work together with the community for the constituency’s betterment.

During the event, the Lok Sabha Speaker was informed about various challenges faced by journalists. He assured swift resolutions, including addressing concerns related to the **Chandresal Residential Scheme**. He committed to making efforts at both the state and central government levels to resolve all issues.

Greater Kota Press Club President **Sunil Mathur**, in his welcome address, thanked the Speaker and brought up key concerns of journalists such as housing plots, facilities from railway authorities, and state-level benefits. **General Secretary Anil Bhardwaj** requested that the lottery process for the Chandresal scheme be completed and also appealed for an increase in the coverage amount under the **Rajasthan Medical Policy**.

The event was also graced by **Energy Minister Heeralal Nagar** and **Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma**. Guests were honored with traditional **safas (turbans), garlands, and mementos**. Intellectuals and journalists from across the state, including editors from various newspapers, were also felicitated.

Renowned poet **Jagdish Solanki** infused the gathering with patriotic fervor through his poetry and was honored by the club for his contribution.

**Treasurer Badri Prasad Gautam** extended a formal vote of thanks. Among the notable attendees were patrons **Pradyumn Sharma**, **Pawan Ahuja**, **Dheeraj Gupta Tej**, **Kayyum Ali**, **K.L. Jain**, **Shyam Rohida**, **Subodh Jain**, **Senior Vice President Hemant Sharma**, **Vice President Harimohan Sharma**, **Joint Secretary Chandraprakash Sharma ‘Chandu’**, **Office Secretary Hanspal Yadav**, and executive members **Dinesh Kashyap**, **Himanshu Mittal**, **Bhanwar S. Charan**, **Manish Gautam**, **Shakir Ali**, **Lekhraj Sharma**, and **Rubina Qazi**.

### Dignitaries Present:
- **Govind Ram Mittal** (DSSI)  
- **Pankaj Mehta** (Senior BJP Leader)  
- **Chain Singh Rathore** (Chairman, Saras Dairy)  
- **Rakesh Jain** (President, BJP Kota City)  
- **Kranti Jain** (President, Kota Vyapar Mahasangh)  
- **Ashok Maheshwari** (General Secretary)  
- **Deepak Rajvanshi**, **Lokendra Rajawat**, **Abdul Khaliq** (Mazdoor Sangh),  
- **Mukesh Galav**, **Vivek Rajvanshi** (WCR Employees Union)  
- **Prem Bhatia** (Director, Bhatia & Co.),  
- **Dr. Rakesh Kumar Singh**,  
- **Manish Samariya** (Student Union President),  
- **Basant Kumar Jain**, **Vikas Yadav**, and many others were also in attendance.