Chandigarh: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the Haryana Government always stands firmly with a free press. In a democracy, the media is the fourth pillar. If anyone thinks they can intimidate a media institution through pressure, it is a grave mistake, because the voice of truth can never be suppressed.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest at the “Ramleela Samiti Samman Samaroh” organized in Jalandhar today. On this occasion, he also honoured office-bearers, artists, and other social workers from various Ramleela committees of Haryana, Punjab, and Chandigarh.
Paying obeisance at the feet of Maryada Purushottam Lord Shri Ram, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that Ramleela is not merely a stage performance; it is the essence of our culture. Ramleela teaches future generations that no matter how powerful the evil forces may appear, ultimately righteousness and truth always prevail. He said that even in this era of modernity, the artists and organizers of Ramleela have continued to nurture and preserve the roots of our culture. He appreciated the “Shri Ram Navami Utsav Samiti” for organizing such events.
The Chief Minister praised the impartial journalism carried out during the period of terrorism in Punjab and said that the Punjab Kesari group has, for decades, devoted itself entirely to upholding truth, fearlessness, and ethical values in society. He said that we must remember the time when Punjab was passing through the dark phase of militancy, when fear was so pervasive that people hesitated to even step out of their homes. Yet history bears witness that even then, this group did not stop its pen. Great martyrs Lala Jagat Narayan Ji and Sh. Romesh Chandra Chopra Ji sacrificed their lives for the unity of the nation, but never bowed before violence.
He also appreciated the social service initiatives undertaken by the Punjab Kesari newspaper group and said that for the past 26 years, the group has been sending relief material to border areas, and so far, 910 trucks carrying relief supplies have been dispatched. Even today, on the occasion of this programme, trucks loaded with relief material were flagged off.
The Chief Minister urged all the Ramleela committees honoured at the ceremony to continue spreading the ideals of Lord Shri Ram in society. Just as Ravana’s arrogance was ultimately shattered, so too will the forces that trouble truth will be defeated. Encouraging the morale of Punjab Kesari Group’s Editor-in-Chief Vijay Kumar Chopra, he said that in this fight against those who seek to suppress the voice of the media, you are not alone. Keep writing, remain steadfast, because your pen is the strongest shield of democracy.
