New Delhi – In a powerful symbolic gesture of regional unity, members of the SAARC Journalists Forum (SJF) conducted a special tree-planting program at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Delhi, on the 6th of this month. The event was held alongside a high-level summit focused on the critical role of media in fostering peace, harmony, and press freedom across South Asia.
The program was jointly organized by the India Chapter of the SAARC Journalists Forum and Bharati Vidyapeeth University. The initiative centered on the theme: “The Role of Media for Peace, Harmony, and Media Freedom in South Asian Countries.”
Distinguished Participation
The event was graced by Dr. Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities, and Professor K.P. Singh, Director of Gandhi Bhawan at Delhi University.
A prominent delegation of media leaders attended the ceremony, including:
Raju Lama (International President, SAARC Journalists Forum)
Abdur Rahman (Secretary, SJF)
Prof. Smita Mishra (Member, SJF International Central Executive Committee)
Dr. Anirudh Kumar Sudhanshu (President, SJF India)
Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi (President, SJF Sri Lanka)
The Sri Lankan delegation also included journalists Prageeth Janaka and U.S.B. Bandara, along with several other regional media leaders.
Concerns Over Media Safety
Speaking at the event, SJF International President Raju Lama emphasized that planting a tree represents the growth and protection of democratic values. However, he transitioned into a serious discussion regarding the current state of the industry, specifically highlighting the ongoing threats and challenges faced by journalists in Sri Lanka.
Lama called for greater regional solidarity to ensure that the media can operate without fear or intimidation, noting that a free press is the backbone of regional stability.
The ceremony concluded with a pledge by the participants to continue using their platforms to bridge gaps between South Asian nations and to advocate for the safety of media professionals.
