Working Reporters Association Hosts Seminar

Hoshiarpur/ May 3/ Daljeet Ajnoha : The Working Reporters Association Punjab (Regd.) India organized a special seminar on “The Current State of Contemporary Journalism in the Social Media Era and Its Social Impact” at the picturesque “Thorn Kitchen and Hide Away” venue near Sleran Dam in Hoshiarpur—known as ‘Mini Kasauli’ nestled in the Shivalik hills. Chaired by the association’s state president, Principal Balbir Singh Saini, the event featured prominent speakers, including veteran Punjabi journalist and senior editor Jatinder Pannu—revered as the ‘Baba Bohar’ (senior columnist)—and Dr. Jaswant Rai, District Language Research Officer, Hoshiarpur.
Principal Balbir Singh Saini and General Secretary (India) Vinod Kaushal welcomed the special guests, emphasizing that the seminar aimed to foster a cadre of journalists committed to truth and integrity amid today’s challenges, while inspiring emerging reporters to uphold professional ethics with utmost dedication. Jatinder Pannu released the association’s 2026-27 identity cards during the event.
In his address, Pannu offered a balanced view, noting a significant decline in ethics, discipline, and commitment in modern journalism, which has eroded its former high standards. Yet, he stressed, Punjabi journalism retains a level of credibility thanks to dedicated, honest professionals who fight for truth regardless of rulers or consequences. “Social media’s speed is appealing, but its lack of reliability can be toxic for society—strict adherence to codes of conduct is essential,” he said. Urging newcomers to embrace justice and truth, Pannu added that only this path yields meaningful results.
Dr. Jaswant Rai reinforced that true duty is a journalist’s religion. He praised Pannu as a fearless voice, dubbing him the ‘Baba Bohar’ of Punjabi journalism for earning immense respect through bold reporting. Rai appealed for fearless, impartial journalists in the social media age.
Punjab News Channel founder and Punjab Chairman Jaswinder Singh Azad highlighted YouTube, social media, and web channels as the future of journalism for the next century, stressing the need for unwavering duty to maintain credibility.
Renowned poet and advocate Raghuvir Terkiana recited poetry lauding journalists like Pannu, while calling out “black sheep” and practitioners of “yellow journalism” (sensationalism). He urged exposing such elements as society’s top priority.
The association honored Jatinder Pannu, Dr. Jaswant Rai, and venue manager Harish Kumar. Program anchors—Punjab Vice President Gurbinder Singh Palaha and Joint Secretary (India) Tarsem Dewana—pledged to continue such seminars annually. Senior Vice President Jagtar Bhungarni expressed gratitude to attendees.
Among those present were General Secretary (India) Vinod Kaushal, Punjab President P. Balvir Singh Saini, Joint Secretary (India) Tarsem Dewana, Chairman (Punjab) Jaswinder Singh Azad, Vice President (Punjab) Gurbinder Singh Palaha, State General Secretary Amarjeet Singh Jandu Singha, Senior Vice President Ashwini Sharma, Manjeet Singh Chima (Mukerian), Harpal Singh Kang, Jaswinder Ball, Sukhwinder Mehra, Inderjeet Mukerian, Charakha (Kapurthala), and journalists from various districts.