Guwahati, 9 August 2020 | India is waging a rousing battle against Covid-19 with the world brought to its knees by the pandemic. Indians have been saluting their Covid warriors and with the country’s 74th Independence Day drawing near, now is the time to renew their pledge to stand tall, strong and proud. May they congregate under the Tri-colour on August 15, albeit observing social distancing norms and other Covid-19 precautions this year as responsible citizens, said a statement by the newly constituted journalists’ association for eastern India ‘Sangbadik Sangha Purbanchal’ (SSP).
“Independence Day along with Republic Day provide the opportunity every year to Indian nationals to honour and pay tribute to martyrs who made immense sacrifices to liberate their motherland. The struggle continues for every generation of Indians to keep their country strong, united and relentlessly forging ahead in the face of all challenges external and internal” said the SSP in its statement.
Born with the objective to bring together all professional journalists of Eastern India on an inclusive platform and enhance their capacities through developmental, intellectual and research activities, the SSP is committed to strive for the cause of journalists based in Eastern India and safeguard their interests. It also aims to encourage the exchange of ideas among journalists in the region, as well as promote understanding and cooperation with their counterparts based in other parts of India through regular interactions and shared agenda. Presently headquartered at Shed no. 28 (a), Bye-lane 2, Industrial Estate, Guwahati-21, Assam, the forum aims to undertake various beneficial programmes for needy scribes.
The first meeting of SSP, held recently in the city under the chairmanship of veteran journalist DN Chakraborty, adopted a number of resolutions including an immediate relief programme for media persons facing hard times due to the pandemic. A Convener Committee comprising senior journalists Rupam Barua, Iswar Mahanta, Chandra Kr Barua, Anjanil Kashyap, Sewali Kalita, Jagadindra Raychoudhury and Nava Thakuria was also formed to pursue necessary activities of SSP at its inception. The meeting was attended by Rubie Das, Khagen Saikia, Girindra Kumar Karjee, Raman Bora, Kamal Krishna Das, Bhupen Goswami and other journalists