Let Us Unite on National Press Day to Raise Our Voice Against Injustice Faced by Senior Journalists – Prof. Dr. Jaipal Patil

Xtreme News India   01-11-2026 20:40:55   17352636

Let Us Unite on National Press Day to Raise Our Voice Against Injustice Faced by Senior Journalists – Prof. Dr. Jaipal Patil

Alibaug: Journalists and non-journalistic media employees face severe hardships after retirement from the media industry or upon leaving their jobs.

 The absence of government accreditation cards and the consequential honorarium provided by the State Government has added to their difficulties. Moreover, with no alternative source of income, their financial condition has deteriorated considerably, while their dignity and social standing have also suffered.

Although the media and journalists are regarded as the fourth pillar of democracy, senior journalists are compelled to lead a life of financial distress due to the lack of opportunities for economic security and growth. Recently, 17 senior journalists from Maharashtra submitted petitions to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, seeking permission for euthanasia. This reflects the unfortunate and distressing condition of senior journalists in Maharashtra today.

To address these pressing issues, the Senior Journalist Association has organised an important meeting of all its office-bearers and members from Maharashtra on the occasion of National Press Day, November 16. The meeting will be held at Vatsalya Nisarg Paryatan Kendra, Mahadu Nagar, Sambari, Taluka Alibaug, District Raigad. This information was provided by the Association's National President, Prof. Dr. Jaipal Patil.

Through the Association, a major struggle will have to be undertaken to address the functioning of the Maharashtra Government's Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, particularly concerning the issuance of accreditation cards and the provision of an honorarium to senior journalists. Considerable efforts will also be required in this regard.

The Association has prepared a framework and identified several important initiatives aimed at creating alternative and sustainable income opportunities for journalists and their families. Resources will be developed for members who are willing to devote their time and actively participate in these initiatives.

Several programmes that can be started immediately without any financial investment will be presented through demonstrations and information sessions for journalists and non-journalistic employees attending the meeting. Registration will also be undertaken for those interested in participating in these initiatives as a means of achieving financial stability and economic growth.

In addition, useful information will be provided regarding technical education, vocational training, business and entrepreneurship opportunities, and modern educational initiatives such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Startups for the sons and daughters of Association members. Mr. Bhushan Ozarde, the Association's Educational and Development Advisor and Director, will guide the participants on these subjects. Special training and educational guidance will also be provided to the children of senior journalists through various courses that can help them secure government employment.

Meanwhile, the state-level convention scheduled to be held in Pune on November 16, 2026, on the occasion of National Press Day, has been postponed due to the prevailing drought situation in Maharashtra. The convention will now be held in Pune on Wednesday, January 6, 2027, on the occasion of Darpan Day. The convention will feature addresses by prominent national leaders and Union and State Ministers, experts from print, online and electronic media, and senior editors and journalists. Special honours will be conferred upon senior women and men journalists.

Various demands and suggestions concerning senior journalists will also be discussed. The present challenges and future measures for addressing their issues will be reviewed, and important resolutions will be presented and adopted. A separate invitation card containing the detailed programme of this comprehensive convention will be issued. Members are requested to take note of the revised date.

Dear fellow journalists,

The Senior Journalist Association is consistently working through its day-to-day activities to highlight and address the serious challenges faced by journalists and to ensure that their present circumstances receive due attention and consideration.

For assistance, guidance and consultation regarding journalists' problems, the Association has established its Maharashtra Regional Office in Mumbai at:

Maharashtra Regional Office, Mumbai:

191, Aram Nagar, Studio Bungalow Part 2, Opposite Amba Mata Temple, Versova, Andheri West, Mumbai.

Office Manager: Mr. Amit Jaiswal

Mobile: 83829 14882

Western Maharashtra Office, Pune:

A/10, First Floor, Xtreme News India, Swaroop Complex, Near Mhatre Bridge, Mhasoba Chowk, Nal Stop Road, Erandwane, Pune.

Contact: Mr. Milind Vaidya, National Vice-President and Pune District President.

Mobile: 98507 78200

Senior journalists requiring legal advice may contact:

Adv. Omkar Mane – 99758 45247

Adv. Sunil Rawade – 98502 48155

Dr. Jaipal Patil has appealed to the maximum number of Association members to attend the important meeting scheduled for Monday, November 16, at Sambari, Taluka Alibaug.

Members attending the meeting are requested to register their participation with the following office-bearers:

Mr. Santosh Patil, Agricultural Advisor to the Association, Sambari – 9324592129

Mr. Sanjaykumar Joshi, National General Secretary – 9307895379

Mr. Chandrakant Kamble, National Treasurer – 89755 56839

Dr. Jaipal Patil has appealed to all members to participate in large numbers and unite to strengthen the collective struggle for the rights, dignity, welfare and economic security of senior journalists.