Chandigarh: The Media Wellbeing Association (MWB) has finalised the schedule of its upcoming state-level programme to be held on January 18 at Kingfisher, Haryana Tourism Complex in Ambala. Haryana’s Transport, Energy and Labour Minister Anil Vij will preside over the event as chief guest.
During the programme, internationally renowned magician Samrat Shankar will be honoured with the Haryana Gaurav Award in recognition of his contribution to the field of magic and for bringing laurels to the state at the global level. Shankar, who hails from Ellenabad in Haryana, has earned international acclaim for his performances.
As part of the event, Anil Vij will also distribute free insurance and term insurance policies worth ₹10 lakh each to 150 journalists. MWB said it is the first organisation to provide insurance cover to journalists without charging any fee, aiming to ensure financial security for media professionals and their families.
The programme will also feature a seminar focusing on challenges faced by journalists amid rapid changes in the media landscape. MWB representatives said the platform will be used to bring journalists’ concerns to the attention of the government. Journalists from across Haryana, as well as delegates from Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh, are expected to attend.
MWB said it has consistently worked for the welfare of journalists, including providing financial assistance during medical emergencies and supporting families of deceased journalists. The association highlighted that a journalist pension scheme was initiated during the tenure of former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, with subsequent enhancements made following the organisation’s demands.
The association also follows a tradition of honouring senior journalists aged above 60 at every major event, acknowledging their contribution to society and the profession. Several such honours in the past have been conferred by senior state leaders at MWB programmes.
MWB president Chandrashekhar Dharni said the Haryana government has taken several positive steps for journalists’ welfare, but added that more measures are still needed to address the financial and professional challenges faced by the media fraternity.
The January 18 event is expected to witness large participation from journalists and media representatives, underlining MWB’s continued focus on welfare, recognition and dialogue.
