HUWJ celebrates World Press Freedom Day; Former Minister Grover appeals journalists to strive to bring the truth to light

Rohtak, May 3, 2026: Haryana Union of Working Journalists (HUWJ) organised an event on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day. Haryana's former Minister of Cooperation, Manish Kumar Grover, attended the event as the Chief Guest. District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO) Sanjeev Saini was present as the Guest of Honor. The event was presided over by the State President of the HUWJ, Manmohan Kathuria.

Journalists from across the district participated in the program, engaging in detailed deliberations regarding the freedom of the press, its role, and the challenges it currently faces. During the event, the Union's State Treasurer Lokesh Jain, District President Manoj Verma, and other journalists were present.

In his address, Chief Guest Manish Grover said that the press is the fourth pillar of democracy, and upholding its freedom is a collective responsibility shared by us all. He asserted that as long as journalism remains independent and impartial, democracy will remain robust, and the voice of the common people will continue to reach the government and administration effectively.

He noted that in the current era, alongside the growing influence of social media, the threat posed by fake news and misleading information has also escalated. In such a scenario, journalists must exercise heightened vigilance and publish news only after verifying the facts.

Former Minister Grover announced that the cashless medical facility for journalists—which had been previously announced by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini—would be implemented shortly. An interactive session between the journalists and the Chief Guest also took place during the program. 

Grover emphasized that an independent and impartial media is indispensable for a strong democracy. He remarked that journalism is not merely a medium for disseminating news; it also serves the vital function of guiding society in the right direction. He appealed to journalists to strive to bring the truth to light, free from any pressure or inducement.

Guest of Honor, DIPRO Sanjeev Saini, also shared his views regarding the role of the media.

In his presidential address, Manmohan Kathuria, HUWJ State President said that the Constitution of India grants every citizen the right to freedom of expression, and it is under the aegis of this very right that the press derives the power to voice its views. He asserted that the fundamental bedrock of journalism lies enshrined within the Constitution, which not only confers rights but also delineates responsibilities. 

Kathuria remarked that in the present era—characterized by an overwhelming deluge of information—the onus on journalists to function with impartiality, truthfulness, and in the public interest, in consonance with the spirit of the Constitution, becomes all the more pronounced. On behalf of the Union, the guests were felicitated by being presented with shawls.