Creating Uproar Is Not Our Goal — Our Goal Is Transformation

Kota – Journalists are not just carriers of information; they are the mirrors of society, reflecting the truth to the public. This was the central message at the grand “Sneh Milan & Abhinandan Samaroh” (Fellowship and Felicitation Ceremony) organized by the *Media Council of Journalists Rajasthan* (MCJ). The event took place at Shiv Jyoti School Auditorium, Shrinathpuram, Kota, with participation from distinguished journalists across multiple states.

**“A Journalist is a Mirror of Society” – Rajesh Krishna Birla**  
Chief guest Rajesh Krishna Birla, State Chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society (Rajasthan), addressed the gathering, emphasizing that journalists must work with impartiality, fearlessness, and integrity. “A journalist not only reports events but influences the direction and condition of society,” Birla said, calling the journalist a “guardian of public trust.”

**A Platform for Networking and Recognition**  
The event began at 12 noon and served as a vibrant platform for dialogue, experience-sharing, and recognition of journalistic excellence. Journalists from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, Haryana, and other states were honored with traditional welcome rituals including *tilak*, *mala*, and mementos for their contributions to the field.

**“Journalism is the Fourth Pillar of Democracy” – Sandeep Sharma**  
Kota South MLA Sandeep Sharma presided over the ceremony and emphasized that journalism forms the soul of democracy. “While the legislature, executive, and judiciary govern the system, journalism gives voice to the people and holds the others accountable,” he said, appreciating the relentless efforts of local journalists in facing challenges and serving the public.

**“Journalists Symbolize Truth and Courage” – Chain Singh Rathore**  
Special guest Chain Singh Rathore, President of Kota Dairy, stated that journalism stands on truth and impartiality. “The responsibility of a journalist is to deliver accurate information with courage. They must evaluate government policies and guide society,” he said, describing journalists as the second name of truth.

**Facing the Realities of Journalism**  
*Punjab Kesari Rajasthan* editor Raghu Aditya highlighted the hardships journalists face, including incomplete information, political pressure, financial constraints, and social challenges. “Despite these obstacles, journalists bring the light of truth to the public with the power of their pen,” he said.

**Unity Essential for Journalists’ Welfare**  
District heads of BJP and Congress, Rakesh Jain and Ravindra Tyagi, praised the event and emphasized the need for platforms that promote coordination and communication among journalists. They called on society to protect journalists' rights, noting their role as carriers of social consciousness.

**Deliberation on Challenges and Future of Journalism**  
At the conference, an in-depth discussion was held on current challenges and future prospects in journalism.

MCJ National President Sanjay Rathi detailed the organization's efforts, especially the push for a Journalist Protection Law. “There are many issues in journalism today, but with unity, we can overcome them,” Rathi asserted.

**Towards a Unified National Journalists’ Body**  
National Convenor Lalit Sharma spoke on the importance of forming an apex body to unify journalist organizations across India. “This body will serve as a strong platform for addressing journalists’ issues more effectively, especially in the digital era where journalism is evolving rapidly,” he said.

**Recognition and Gratitude**  
MCJ State President Neeraj Gupta thanked all attendees and reiterated the organization’s commitment to journalists’ rights. District Convenor Pranay Vijay welcomed guests and hailed journalists as “soldiers of truth,” stressing their role in informing the public.

**Dignitaries and Participants**  
Among the prominent attendees were BJP leader Pankaj Mehta, Kota Congress City President Ravindra Tyagi, BJP City President Rakesh Jain, Leader of Opposition Vivek Rajvanshi, MCJ National General Secretary Pradeep Sharma, National Spokesperson and Program Host Manoj Goyal, State Spokesperson Manohar Pareek, State Organizational Secretary Yogesh Joshi, and Assistant Directors of Information & Public Relations Department M.M. Sheikh, Rachna Sharma, and Akanksha Sharma.

Veteran journalists such as Purushottam Pancholi, Press Club President Gajendra Vyas, Janardan Gupta, Dheeraj Gupta Tej, and Badri Prasad Gautam were also present to support the event.