The 41st Foundation Day of the Indian Federation of Small and Medium Newspapers (IFSMN) was celebrated with great enthusiasm and grandeur in Bengaluru. The event was held at Sri Udupi Food Hub, Kanishka Grand Building, Gandhi Nagar.
The meeting was presided over by National President Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samantaray. National Coordinator Mehetab Khan efficiently coordinated the program, while the introductory address was delivered by Senior National Vice President Sankar Kodala.
Secretary General B.S. Deshpandey highlighted the remarkable 41-year journey of IFSMN, emphasizing its role in strengthening small and medium newspapers across the country. Former Uttar Pradesh Revenue and Tourism Minister Ashok Yadav graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. In his address, he spoke extensively about the current challenges faced by journalists nationwide.
The Joint Director of the Karnataka State Information and Public Relations Department sri Manjunath dollin attended as Special Guest and elaborated on various welfare programs for journalists in the state, along with policies related to newspaper empanelment and advertisement issuance.
Among other distinguished speakers, Dr. Nirmala delivered an insightful talk on the role of Artificial Intelligence in small and medium newspapers, outlining both opportunities and challenges. Mrs. K. Shanta Kumari also addressed the gathering, shedding light on the practical difficulties faced by journalists in Karnataka.
Several founder members, including K. Sanjeev and Shivaprakash, along with National Vice Presidents Mallikarjunai and Hari D’Souza, were felicitated for their contributions. Delegates from various states such as Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh were also honored for their active participation and commitment.
A large number of members and delegates, including Aman Narayan Swami, Basav Gauda, N. Srinibas, G. Ramesh Kumar, Chenagauda, A.L. Sekhar, Kumar, P. Appa Rao, M.V. Malleswara Rao, G.V. Nagabharao, Mall Reddy Kalyan Chakraborty, Ajaya Srinu, Dr. G. Praveen Kumar, G.V.S. Bhagban, C.M. Manjunath, ifsmn Karnataka state president Mr L shivshankar & Secretary Com. Suresh, Sudhakar, A. Gannapragasan, Kishan Kumar, Md. Irfan Qureshi, Usharani, Sudharani, and many others, were felicitated during the समारोह.
In the second session, detailed discussions were held on issues concerning journalists and small and medium newspapers and magazines. Delegates shared their concerns, and it was unanimously decided to draft a resolution to be submitted to the Central Minister for Information & Broadcasting and respective State Ministers. Key issues included journalists’ protection, pension schemes, railway concessions, toll exemptions, and regular advertisement support for small and medium newspapers.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by National Coordinator Mehetab Khan.
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