Knowledge is a journalist’s biggest asset; maintain impartiality and credibility: Rakesh Thapliyal

Una/Jhalera, 17 October, 2026: Rakesh Thapliyal, the national president of the National Union of Journalists (India), said that knowledge is a journalist’s greatest asset. A journalist should continuously improve their knowledge and skills over time so that they can present facts to society with fairness and responsibility. Journalism is not just about delivering news, but also about raising issues of public interest and fulfilling its responsibility towards society. He urged journalists to maintain the credibility of their writing, verify facts, and adhere to the core principles of journalism.

Rakesh Thapliyal was addressing the district-level journalists’ workshop-2026, organized by  the Una district unit of Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists (HPUJ) at Police Line Jhalera, Una with the support of the National Union of Journalists (India).

In the workshop, discussion held on important topics like protecting journalists’ interests, organizational strength, positive communication, and promoting independent, impartial, and responsible journalism.

At the workshop, national, state, and district-level officials, senior journalists, and legal experts shared their thoughts on various challenges related to journalism and how to address them. During this, there were discussions on journalists’ rights, the growing influence of digital media, social responsibilities, and improving coordination between the police and the press.

DD News anchor Rama Tyagi also joined the workshop virtually. She interacted with journalists on topics related to digital media. Her participation expanded the discussion in the workshop about the changing nature of journalism and the role of digital platforms. In today’s time, digital media has become an important medium for spreading news. In this context, it is important for journalists to understand aspects like verifying facts, credibility, and responsible presentation on digital platforms.

Lawyer Dr. Vijay Dogra shared information about the legal aspects related to journalism and highlighted the importance of understanding legal provisions for journalists.

Sushma Devi, the founder of SRP NGO, shared her thoughts on social concerns, public service, and the role of non-governmental organizations. She emphasized the importance of highlighting social issues and pointed out the need for cooperation between journalists and NGOs in work that benefits society.

The workshop also included discussions on establishing better coordination between the police and the media. DSP Una   Shri Hemraj highlighted the role of mutual dialogue, coordination, and cooperation between the police and the press. He emphasized the importance of responsibly addressing public interest issues and maintaining good coordination between police and journalists.

At the event, Bharat Bhushan, the District Una President of the Himachal Pradesh Union of Journalists, delivered the welcome address. State President Jogindra Dev Arya emphasized the need for organizational strength, unity among journalists, and collective efforts to protect their interests.

Sparsh Sharma, the district secretary of HPUJ Una, presented the organizational report and the upcoming work plan. On this occasion, the district commemorative publication was released, the first district cup was unveiled, and a special felicitation ceremony was also held. Finally, district president Bharat Bhushan expressed his gratitude to the guest attendees, office bearers, and journalists.

According to the organizers, workshops like these give journalists a chance to share their experiences, understand legal and professional challenges, and make their organizations stronger. Independent, fair, and responsible journalism is the foundation of a strong democracy. Journalists play an important role in giving society a strong voice and highlighting issues of public interest. This workshop was an important initiative not only in enriching journalists’ knowledge and skills but also in promoting journalist unity, organizational strength, and better coordination between the police and the press.

At the workshop, the state organization mantri Gopal Datt Sharma, state general secretary Kishore Thakur, division president Rana Ranjit Singh, coordinators Jeevan Sharma, Kapil Sood, Ramprakash, Rinku Bhardwaj, Randhir Sharma, Jitendra Sharma, Abhishek, Rajesh Kumar, Bhushan Sharma, Praveen, Shivani Thakur, Anil Thakur, along with Rinku Kumar, president of the Press Club Bangana, and journalists like Babita Jaiswal, Mehr, Simran, Riya, Chetan, Ranjan, and others were present.