Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: The Indian Journalists’ Association (IJA) on Tuesday commemorated its 104th year with a formal programme in the city, reaffirming its enduring commitment to press freedom, ethical journalism, and the rights and welfare of media professionals.
The programme was inaugurated by Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh, Hon’ble Governor of Haryana, who underscored the indispensable role of a free, responsible, and independent press in strengthening democratic institutions. He lauded the Indian Journalists’ Association for its century-long contribution to nurturing journalistic values and for standing steadfastly with media professionals through shifting political, social, and technological landscapes.
As part of the commemoration, the Association conferred its Roll of Honour upon seven senior journalists for their outstanding contribution to journalism and public discourse. The journalists honoured were Mrinal Kanti Biswas, Manash Ghosh, Mihir Gangopadhyay, Bachan Singh Saral, Raj Mithalia, Amanullah Mohammad and Sekhar Sengupta. Their decades of work were recognised for upholding credibility, courage, and professional integrity in the practice of journalism.
Founded in 1922 during the height of India’s freedom movement, the Indian Journalists’ Association is among the oldest journalists’ bodies in the country. Over its 104-year journey, the Association has played a pivotal role in championing freedom of expression, safeguarding journalists’ rights, promoting ethical reporting, and fostering unity within the media fraternity across generations.
Speaking on the occasion, IJA President K. D. Parth said,
“The 104-year journey of the Indian Journalists’ Association is deeply intertwined with the evolution of Indian democracy. At a time when journalism faces unprecedented challenges, IJA remains firmly committed to defending professional ethics, credibility, and the dignity of journalists.”
IJA Celebration Committee Chairman Jigor Ramesh Doshi, in his address, highlighted the significance of institutional continuity and collective responsibility.
“This commemoration is not only about honouring our past but about reaffirming our shared duty to protect the core values of journalism. As the media landscape evolves, IJA must continue to serve as a unifying platform for integrity, mentorship, and professional solidarity,” he said.
IJA Secretary Debasish Das described the commemoration as both a moment of reflection and renewed resolve.
“From the colonial era to the digital age, IJA has consistently served as a collective voice of journalists. Honouring our senior colleagues today reminds us of the values we must carry forward for the next generation of media professionals,” he said.
The programme was attended by several distinguished guests, including Snehasis Sur, President, Press Club Kolkata; Kingshuk Pramanik, Secretary, Press Club, Kolkata; Saba Nayeken, Secretary General, Indian Journalist Union; Gobinda Mukherjee, Business Head East, The Statesman Group; Sayed Hasmat Jalal, Senior Journalist and Sourav Mukherjee, Social Worker.
The event concluded with a renewed pledge by the Association to continue its advocacy for a free, fair, and responsible press, while expanding initiatives focused on journalist welfare, mentorship, and professional development.