Formal Formation of ‘Digital Independent Journalists Association’ in Uttarakhand
"Rajesh 'Pol Khol' Bahuguna Elected as State President — A Remarkable Example of Unity Among Digital Media Journalists"
Dehradun, June 16: A new organization named the Digital Independent Journalists Association has been formally established in Uttarakhand with the aim of strengthening the voice of independently working digital media journalists and protecting their interests. In a significant meeting held in the capital city, Dehradun, the formation of the organization was finalized, with participation from digital and social media journalists across the state.
During the meeting, senior journalist Rajesh ‘Pol Khol’ Bahuguna was unanimously elected as the State President of the organization. To further strengthen the organizational structure, other office-bearers were also announced: Pahadi Shahzad Ali as General Secretary, Ajay Nautiyal as Treasurer, and Neeraj Pal, Afroz Khan, Brijesh Panwar, Deep Prakash Pant, Nandini Modi, Virendra Bisht, and Vikas Joshi were appointed as Executive Members.
All the members expressed a strong commitment to forming a united and empowered platform to address the challenges, recognition, and rights of social media journalists. The speakers emphasized that digital and social media have become powerful tools of mass communication alongside traditional media, and organizing the journalists working in these mediums is the need of the hour.
On this occasion, newly elected State President Rajesh ‘Pol Khol’ Bahuguna stated that this organization does not belong to any individual but is a collective platform for all independent social media journalists. He asserted that the aim is to present journalists’ issues effectively before the government and administration and to safeguard their rights. He also mentioned that all formal procedures for the organization would be completed soon.
He further added that the organization will soon formulate plans to expand into various districts of the state, establish district-level committees, and initiate training, safety, and support programs for social media journalists.
Prominent attendees at the meeting included Rajesh Bahuguna (Editor, Parvatvani Live), Shahzad Ali (Loksakshya), Ajay Nautiyal (Bharat News Live), Neeraj Pal (Devbhoomi Live TV), Hitesh Sharma, Prashant Chaudhary, Ashish Rawat, Shiv Vardhan Singh, Deep Prakash Pant, Vikas Joshi, Hemant Mahara, Subodh Dangwal, Dheeraj Pal Singh, Om Prakash Rudola, Vikram Bisht, Virendra Bisht, Anshika Verma, Nandini Modi, Amit Dewal, Brijesh Pawar, Ankit Gairola, Aurav Singh, and Afroz Khan, among others.
