- Grand Gujarat Journalists Union fraternity meet pays tribute to veteran litterateur and journalist Yeswant Mehta while reaffirming the media’s role as society’s vigilant conscience
- Green Ambassador Jitubhai Patel calls journalists the guiding force of an informed society and urges them to champion environmental awareness
- Senior writers and media leaders inspire young reporters to uphold courage, ethics and public interest in an era of rapid information flow
- Celebration honours journalistic excellence, literary contributions and community service while strengthening professional solidarity across Gujarat
NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, JUNE 13
The Gujarat Journalists Union (GJU) hosted a grand fraternity meet at Visnagar, bringing together senior editors, journalists, litterateurs and social leaders in a celebration of journalism’s enduring commitment to truth, public service and democratic values.
The highlight of the event was the felicitation of eminent octogenarian journalist and renowned Gujarati litterateur Yeswant Mehta, who has authored more than 550 books, making him one of Gujarat’s most prolific literary personalities. His lifelong contribution to journalism and literature was honoured amid thunderous applause from the gathering.
The programme, organised in memory of distinguished journalists Niranjan Parikh and Popatlal Vyas, served as a tribute to generations of media professionals who have shaped public discourse and strengthened democratic institutions through fearless reporting.
Delivering a thought-provoking address, Green Ambassador Jitubhai Patel, founder of the Green Global Brigade, described journalists as the vigilant guardians of society.
He observed that just as a school requires a disciplined principal for effective functioning, society equally depends on responsible journalists for guidance, awareness and accountability.
Calling upon media professionals to become ambassadors of environmental consciousness, he urged them to create a transformative public movement that supports national campaigns for ecological conservation and sustainable development.
Presiding over the function, veteran litterateur Yeswant Mehta described Visnagar as a “pilgrimage centre of journalism”, recalling the rich legacy of iconic personalities including Niranjan Parikh, Popatlal Vyas, philanthropist Sankalchand Patel and Bholabhai Patel, whose contributions elevated the town’s stature in Gujarat’s intellectual and journalistic landscape.
Encouraging young reporters to remain steadfast in their mission, Mehta urged them to perform their professional duties with courage, integrity and fearlessness while always serving the larger public interest.
The programme commenced with addresses by Gujarat Journalists Union President B.R. Prajapati, Vice-President Jayesh Vyas, Mayurbhai Sheth and APMC Chairman Dr. Jayantilal Patel, who highlighted the Union’s various welfare initiatives and its continuing efforts to strengthen the journalistic fraternity.
Several senior and emerging journalists from Mehsana and Visnagar participated in the event, along with prominent personalities, including Meshbhai Patel, Shaileshbhai Patel and noted folk litterateur Bharatbhai Prajapati, reflecting the strong bond between journalism, literature and public life.
The gathering underscored the vital role of a free and responsible press in strengthening democracy, fostering social awareness and inspiring constructive public dialogue.
With the felicitation of a literary giant who has enriched Gujarati literature through more than 550 publications, the event also served as a reminder that journalism and literature together remain powerful instruments for preserving culture, nurturing informed citizenship and inspiring future generations.
