Eetarambharatam Khammam, August 15: Saturday
By Madhushree Nalubola, Regional network In-Charge.
Every citizen bears the responsibility of passing on the spirit of independence—achieved through the sacrifices, struggles, and continuous movements of countless martyrs to future generations, said Telangana Working Journalists Federation (TWJF) District President Syed Khadeer. On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, he unfurled the national flag during the celebrations organized under the auspices of TWJF at the Khammam Press Club.
Speaking after hoisting the national flag at the program presided over by Khammam Press Club President Daggupati Madhava Rao, Syed Khadeer stated that independence is not merely a change of rulers, but a great democratic value that accords every citizen the right to live with freedom, equality, justice, and dignity. Remembering the sacrifices of freedom fighters, he stressed the need to strengthen democratic India in line with their ideals.
Describing press freedom as the lifeblood of democracy, he stated that the primary duties of journalists are to highlight societal issues, voice the concerns of the public to the authorities, convey government policies to the people, and seek solutions to public problems. He called upon journalists to carry out their duties with greater responsibility as a bridge between the government and the public, and as guardians of democracy.
He highlighted that journalists play a crucial role in fearlessly exposing injustice, atrocities, corruption, discrimination, and the issues faced by the poor and vulnerable sections, as well as creating awareness among the public about their rights. At the same time, he advised them to prioritize fact-verification, an impartial stance, social responsibility, and human values while gathering and publishing news.
Syed Khadeer emphasized that a united struggle is necessary to protect journalists’ rights. He noted that governments bear the responsibility to protect press freedom while ensuring safety, professional dignity, welfare, social security, and better working conditions for journalists. He added that TWJF continuously strives to resolve issues faced by journalists.
He remarked that journalism faces numerous challenges today due to the information revolution and the expansion of social media. Since fake news, unverified information, and rumors risk misleading the public, journalists must act with heightened vigilance. He urged journalists to guide society by fearlessly reporting the truth, presenting facts without distortion, standing by the vulnerable, and safeguarding democratic values.
He expressed his wish for journalists to stand as beacons of awareness in building a future India grounded in scientific, democratic, secular, and egalitarian values. He added that the media sector should play a more constructive role in fostering patriotism, constitutional values, social responsibility, and a humanitarian perspective among the youth.
As the Press Club premises echoed with patriotic slogans amidst the fluttering of the national flag, he called on journalists to dedicate themselves to protecting democracy while upholding the spirit of independence.
The event was attended by TWJF District General Secretary Kothapalli Srinivasa Reddy, District Vice President Duvva Sagar, TBJA District President Avula Srinivas, State Executive Member TS Chakravarthy, State Council Members Mareddu Nagender Reddy and Nalubola Madhushree, Press Club President Daggupati Madhava Rao, General Secretary Korakoppula Rambabu, Treasurer Mekapothula Uppalaiah, City Secretary Garidepalli Venkateswarlu, leaders Veesarapu Anjaiah, Arshad, Yousuf, Komire Nageswara Rao, Sharath, Pawan Kumar, Shakeel, Veera Reddy, Kiran, Gopi, Tirupathi Rao, Bhavani, Brahmam, Nagarjuna, along with other journalists and children.
