Rajiv Lochan Shah felicitated with Pt. Bhairav Dutt Dhulia Foundation Award for outstanding journalism and social activism in the service of Uttarakhand
The senior journalist, veteran activist and editor of Nainital Samachar published from Nainital, likely to complete its fiftieth anniversary shortly has been delivered the prestigious Pandit Bhairav Dutt Dhulia Foundation Award for fair, fearless, dedicated and outstanding journalism in Uttarakhand today.
The reputed award was presented by the renowned filmaker, director , scriptwriter and actor Tigmamshu Dhulia, eminent intellectual, historian, Padmashree Dr.Shekahar Pathak and daughter in law of Pt. Bhairav Dutt Dhulia and educationist Sumitra Dhulia at a glittering function at Lansdowne, Garhwal, Uttarakhand in the presence of eminent dignitaries, journalists, writers, social activists and people from cross section of the society. The award given every year to an eminent journalist of Uttarakhand was commenced few years ago carrying the value of Rs. One Lakh by cheque, a citation and a trophy. A leading journalist and former president of Press Club of India Umakant Lakhera , Anirudh Sundriyal, colleague of Pt. Bhairav Dutt Dhulia, eminent historian and prominent personality of Uttarakhand , Padmashree and one of the architect of historical Askot Arakot Yatra held after every decade Dr.Shekhar Pathak , the president of LOSA and medical practitioner Dr. S.P Naithani addressed the event with their pivotal views.
Addressing the august gathering renowned journalist Umakant Lakhera said that unfortunately today the fourth important pillar of democracy is under threat and the nation has never been under so much insecurity as is today.
Highlighting the immense contribution of journalists in freedom movement till the present time, Umakant Lakhera said that the press freedom and freedom to speak has been been at such a stake and jeopardy today that people are living under constant fear and the need of the hour is to counter it by way of resisting it to the hilt. He said no country can progress by leaps and bounds if the media freedom is stifled and voice of dissent is curbed. Lakhera was very particular about the injustice being committed against the people of the lowest ebb of the society saying that there is no reporting of the problems, sufferings and grievances of the poor and victimised people , nor would anyone find journalists from Dalit classes of the society, which is an extremely disturbing and worrisome trend in Indian democracy.
Eminent historian and Padmashree Dr.Shekhar Pathak said that the press freedom is at stake and unfortunately this has never occured earlier. Journalists who write freely and expose the ills of the ruling political dispensation are being mercilessly victimised and jailed. This has never happened under previous regimes but these days stifling of the voice of dissent and free speech has become a common feature which is a great challenge to democracy n constitution. The awardee and publisher, printer of Nainital Samachar Rajiv Lochan Shah was also worried about the lowering standard of media freedom and said that not only has the level of journalism gradually come down but the attacks on media freedom has increased leading to dangers hovering over Indian democracy.
Rajiv Lochan Shah said : However he is somewhat satisfied that despite the Godi media destroying the impartial, transparent character of free press , there are still committed n dedicated journalists at grass roots who are bravely facing the challenges and are coming true to the expectations of the people by way of reporting impartially and highlighting the voice of the sufferers.
The president of Lansdowne Old Students Association Dr. Naithani shed light of the role of journalists in freedom movement and India gaining independence from neo colonial clutches of the imperialists British and lauded the immense contribution of Pt Bhairav Dutt Dhulia by way of his writings, impressive editorials of Karambhoomi and as participant in the freedom movement in his capacity of a fearless journalist as well as a Congressman highly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi.
The leading Bollywood actor, director and producer Tigmamshu Dhulia read in detail the report about the immeasurable contribution of Pandit Bhairav Dutt Dhulia in the freedom movement of the country, creating awareness for aggravating the freedom movement through his newsweekly Karambhumi’s news items and significant appealing editorials but also by way of participating in the freedom struggle influenced by Gandhi’s philosophy and inspiration.
Senior advocate who came from Mumbai Anirudh Sundriyal termed Pt Bhairav Dutt Dhulia as an eminent journalist, writer, thinker, freedom fighter and a Gandhian and said that in his entire life he hasn’t seen such an honest, dedicated and committed Gandhian whose entire life was dedicated for Garhwal and the country through his umpteen sacrifices by way of going to jail, bringing out the newspaper despite umpteen challenges to become the sole voice of freedom struggle during British era in Garhwal and even becoming an elected MLA by defeating the then stalwart and food minister Jagmohan Singh Negi.
Hundreds of people who participated in this programme were served with delicious lunch after the programme. The Supreme Court judge Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia was also present on this occassion. The event was very ably anchored by Himanshu Dhulia, the Chief organiser of the award and Pt. Bhairav Dutt Dhulia Foundation.
