Forward Press’ two day workshop concludes invoking journalists to work for the emancipation of marginalized,

                                                                             - Rajeev Azad

Nation’s one of the leading magazines, Forward Press (FP) conducted a two day workshop for its journalists at Gandhi Peace Foundation, Delhi from June 21 to June 22.         

Mr. Ivan Kotska, Editor-in-Chief’s sublime lecture focusing on the ideology behind the institution of Forward Press, its values, mission and vision, significance of Dalit icons like Mahatma Phule and Dr. Ambedkar was the highlight of the first day. “Phule was a revolutionary figure, who fought for the oppressed classes of society, including SCs, STs and OBCs” Kotska highlighted. “Forward Press has been instituted to mitigate discrimination inflicted on the basis of caste”, Kotska expressed while focusing on the ethics of Forward Press.     

Introduction segment facilitated journalists converged from across the nation to acquaint with each other. Journalists from different states, including Bihar, U.P., West Bengal, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Punjab shared their introduction. During the presentation, we were also  introduced to colleagues managing FP operation from Delhi, including Pramod Ranjan, Managing Editor, Amrendra Kumar, Principal Correspondent and Santosh Singh, Circulation Head.      

     

Dr. Thom Wolf’s presentation on the contribution of Phule was inspirational. Though many of us had a picture about the contribution of Phule in the emancipation of marginalized section, not many were familiar with many a great feat, contribution of Phule. The presentation took us through amazing facts about Phule.Kevin Brinkmann while delivering presentation on Preamble, the soul of Indian Constitution focused on Dr. Ambedkar’s vision behind the preamble.   

The highlight of the second day was thought provoking lecture on Bahujan Journalism by leading media personality, Anil Chamadia. Without mincing words, Anil made scathing attack on so called custodians of Bahujans, including political parties. Responding to a query on corruption in media, Anil expressed: “Who says, media is not corrupt. The menace of corruption has been there in media even during pre-independent era.”  While focusing on the role of journalists, he appealed to the participants to work for the interests of marginalized people. Keep your conscience pristine, don’t indulge in unfair practice.

Delivering vote of thanks, Silvia Kotska, chairperson, Forward Press focused on the importance of journalists, their contribution in the progress of Forward Press. Her heart touching speech left many of us nostalgic. In her concluding remark, she invoked participants to work wholeheartedly for the emancipation of marginalized sections of society.

The entire experience was amazing as well as enriching.

                                                               (राजीव आजाद फारवर्ड प्रेस के हैदराबाद संवाददाता हैं) 

Forward Press.