Sarabha described as father of Punjabi journalism; Speakers stress role of alternative media.
Mullanpur Dakha (Ludhiana).
October 31
Raghbir Singh Brar (Faridkot Nov 2,2026)
The Punjab and Chandigarh Union of Journalists (PCUJ) observed its 13th Foundation Day on Saturday at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Bhawan, Mullanpur-Dakha, Ludhiana.
The event was dedicated to great martyr Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, who was described by the union as the father of journalism.
Addressing the gathering, noted intellectual Dr. Pyare Lal Garg said that alternative media has emerged as a powerful tool to set the public agenda and counter the narrative of the government.
“Now you have alternative media to set the public agenda, countering the agenda of the government,” Dr. Garg said. He admitted that alternative media may have shortcomings too, but said those can be corrected.
Dr. Garg said that alternative media ventures are facing many problems, including fund crunch and inability to hire workers, which makes it difficult to sustain independent journalism.
Balwinder Jammu, National President of the PCUJ, said the present government remains inaccessible when it comes to resolving the problems of media persons. He said journalists working in difficult conditions are not getting adequate support from the state.
Senior leader Jai Singh Chhibber expressed his annoyance over the conduct of some reporters at the event. He criticized that when their own problems were being discussed from the stage, a section of reporters did not pay attention to his speech and instead chose to go for lunch.
Dr. S.S. Dhaliwal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, lauded the role of the press in taking new research and inventions of PAU to the farmers in the field. He said the university-media partnership is crucial for agrarian Punjab.
Balbir Jandu, Chairman of the Union, elaborated on the role and functions of the union and its 13-year journey in defending the rights of journalists in Punjab and Chandigarh.
The speakers also lamented that mainstream media often does not publish news of public interest.Referring to recent incidents, the speakers pointed to the allegedly very poor and inadequate coverage of the Parminder Singh Jhota murder case in Mansa in the mainstream media, and said such issues need more attention.
The event was attended by a large number of journalists from across Punjab and Chandigarh.
The union also released its souvenir on the event.
