Journalists hoisted the tiranga, pledged to uphold the unity and integrity of the country and freedom of journalism.
Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh.
On the auspicious occasion of Independence Day 2026, a grand flag-hoisting ceremony was organized under the aegis of the Indian Journalist Association on Saturday, August 15th, at 8:30 a.m. at the Media Center, Ghazi Rauza Tiraha, Dr. Aziz Ahmad Road, Gorakhpur. Journalists enthusiastically participated in the ceremony, saluted the national flag, and pledged to protect the nation’s unity, integrity, democratic values, and freedom of journalism.
The chief guest, Mrs. Vandana Chauhan, Editor-in-Chief of the Hindi daily newspaper “Parivartan Uday,” was welcomed with a garland, badge, and tricolor sash. Senior guest, Mr. R.K. Chauhan, was welcomed and felicitated by National Organization Secretary Akhileshwar Dhar Dwivedi with a garland, badge, and tricolor sash. Following this, Chief Guest Mrs. Vandana Chauhan hoisted the national flag. After the national anthem, tiranga balloons were released to convey the message of unity, peace, and brotherhood.
Chief Guest Mrs. Vandana Chauhan, while congratulating the journalists present on Independence Day, said that independence is not just a historic achievement, but a continuous responsibility for the rights and duties of every citizen of the country. Journalism is an important pillar of democracy, and it is the responsibility of journalists to present the truth to society and the nation with courage, impartiality, and responsibility. She emphasized that national interest, public interest, and social concerns should be paramount in journalism.
She stated that journalism currently faces numerous challenges. In such a time, journalists should positively use the power of their pen to promote brotherhood, harmony, and awareness in society. She called upon journalists to make truth, facts, and responsibility the foundation of their journalism.
Very Important Guest and National President of the Indian Journalist Association, Seraj Ahmad Quraishi, while congratulating the journalists on Independence Day, said that the country’s independence is the result of the sacrifice, struggle, and dedication of countless freedom fighters. Protecting freedom is not only the responsibility of the soldiers deployed on the border, but also the duty of every citizen of the country. Journalists play a crucial role in strengthening democracy, conveying the voice of society to the government and administration.
He stated that the Indian Journalist Association will continue to fight for the respect, security, rights, and interests of journalists. Journalists should unite and raise their voices in a democratic and constitutional manner. He stated that true independent journalism is practicing journalism in the public interest, free from fear, pressure, and bias. It is also the responsibility of every journalist to strengthen the nation’s unity, integrity, social harmony, and mutual brotherhood.
Special Guest , Senior Journalist Mr. R.K. Chauhan, said that Independence Day reminds us of our rights as well as our duties. Journalists are the guardians of democracy and must fulfill their responsibilities with complete honesty. The purpose of journalism is not only to publish news, but also to highlight society’s problems and be the voice of the needy.
He stated that with the growing influence of social media and digital media, the responsibility of journalists has increased even more. Disseminating information without verifying its veracity can create confusion in society. Therefore, journalists should base their journalism on credibility, facts, and responsibility.
Remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters, the journalists present at the event pledged to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation. The event was filled with patriotic slogans and a spirit of patriotism.
At the end, all those present wished each other a Happy Independence Day and pledged to work together for journalist unity, social harmony, and national interest.
On this occasion, a large number of journalists were present, including Mohammad Irfanullah Khan, National General Secretary, Akhileshwar Dhar Dwivedi, National Organization Secretary, Naved Alam, State Treasurer, Rafi Ahmed Ansari, Zonal President, Gorakhpur, Dr. Atiq Ahmed and Satish Chandra, Divisional Secretaries, Mohammad Azam, District Spokesperson, Anshul Verma, City President, Ramashankar Gupta, Zuber Alam, Shravan Kumar Gupta, Ajmer Khan, Seraj Ahmed, Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed, Meraj Ahmad, Mohammad Mohtasim, Lalit Singh, Mohammad Zeeshan, and others.