Kolkata, 06 July (H.S.) : The West Bengal Bureau Chief of Hindusthan Samachar, Santosh Kumar Madhup, was among 17 journalists felicitated with the 'Narad Samman-2026' at the Devarshi Narad Jayanti celebrations organised by Vishwa Samvad Kendra, South Bengal. The event witnessed extensive deliberations on ethical journalism, truth, integrity and national responsibility. West Bengal Governor R.N. Ravi attended the programme as the Chief Guest, while West Bengal Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Kalyan Chakraborty was the Guest of Honour.

The programme commenced with an invocation to Devarshi Narada. Dr. Rakesh Das presented the Narad Stotra, following which the dignitaries were welcomed with traditional sandalwood tilak and floral tributes. The proceedings were conducted by Debashish Iyer and Tilak Sengupta.

Speakers at the event described Devarshi Narada as not merely a revered figure in Indian tradition but an enduring symbol of truth, communication and public welfare. They observed that his role in carrying accurate information to the right place at the right time represents the highest ideals of journalism and continues to inspire ethical and responsible media practices.

Delivering the welcome address, Biplab Ray, Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), South Bengal, said that the responsibility of journalists extends beyond reporting news and includes presenting facts truthfully and responsibly in the larger interest of society.

In the first phase of the felicitation ceremony, 11 journalists received the Narad Samman-2026 from Dr. Kalyan Chakraborty, Prafulla Ketkar, and Dr. Jishnu Basu. The awardees were Sahana Mukhopadhyay, Pinakpani Ghosh, Swarnali Sarkar, Santu Kumar Pan (MLA from Tarakeswar), Anirban Sinha, Shubha Banerjee, Shafiqul Islam, Advitiya Ray, Santosh Kumar Madhup (West Bengal Bureau Chief, Hindusthan Samachar), Prabir Bhattacharya, and Raktim Das.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jishnu Basu said that Devarshi Narada devoted his life to public welfare, dissemination of truth and the promotion of harmony. He remarked that collecting information and communicating it responsibly at the appropriate time constitutes the essence of journalism, which is why Narada is regarded as the world's first travelling journalist.

Dr. Kalyan Chakraborty said Devarshi Narada has long been revered in Indian tradition as a messenger of knowledge, dialogue and truth. He added that the fundamental purpose of journalism is to serve society and safeguard public interest.

During the second session, Governor R.N. Ravi was formally welcomed before presenting the Narad Samman-2026 to six senior journalists Rathindra Mohan Bandyopadhyay, Bijoy Adhya, Swapan Dasgupta, Bhajanlal Gangopadhyay, Rabindranath Dutta, and Ranjit Ray.

Prafulla Ketkar, Editor of Organiser, highlighted the importance of journalism from an Indian civilisational perspective, saying that journalism is not merely a medium for disseminating information but also an institution that provides moral and social direction.

In his presidential address, Governor Ravi underlined the importance of a free, impartial and responsible press in a democratic society. He urged journalists to uphold truth, fairness and national interest as their highest priorities while discharging their responsibilities towards society.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the National Anthem and the rendition of the National Song.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh