Balangir Nuakhai Gathering Advocates Journalists as Fourth Pillars of Constitution”

Balangir, (KCN) : The Nuakhai Bhet Ghat Program was joyfully observed in Balangir as members of the Apex Body of Working Journalists Association of India (ABAJ OF INDIA), Sanghar Print & Digital Media, and Mishra Paper Products came together within the premises of Sanghar Print & Digital Media Office at the Industrial Estate. The program was presided over by ABAJ OF INDIA Chairperson and Senior Journalist Sunil Kumar Mishra, along with the Editor of Sanghar Print & Digital Media and Proprietor of Mishra Paper Products.

Distinguished guests including Social Activists Satya Ranjan Mishra, Chairman of NGO Peace Unison, Successful Businessman Umesh Kumar Agrawal, Farmer Leader Siba Prasad Sahu, and Jay Sri Ram Pujak attended the event. Nuakhai, known as the Brotherly Festival of Western Odisha, traditionally involves farmers cultivating paddy and offering the first yield to Goddess Maa Laxmi Annapurna, followed by worship and sharing as Prasad with family members. This festival has a unique power to mend misunderstandings among family members and strengthen their relationships.

Highlighting the importance of journalism, speakers at the event emphasized the need for the Indian government to recognize Working Journalists as the Fourth Pillars of the Constitution before the 2024 General Election. Many citizens consider journalists as an essential part of the nation’s democratic fabric. If the government fails to acknowledge this role before the upcoming election, the attendees suggested the possibility of encouraging citizens to boycott the General Election in 2024.

Er. Shobhya Ranjan Mishra, Chief News Editor of Sanghar Print & Digital Media, extended his gratitude during the program. Intellectuals, educationists, social activists, journalists, and general citizens were in attendance, and they collectively decided to appeal to the government to recognize the Mass Nuakhai/Nabanna Festival as a National Festival.

This gathering served as a platform for discussing not only cultural traditions but also the role of journalists in shaping India’s democratic landscape, emphasizing the significance of their recognition as the Fourth Pillars of the Constitution.