The Indian media fraternity came together in a heartfelt tribute to Comrade K Vikram Rao, former president of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ), at a condolence meeting held at the Constitution Club in New Delhi.
Attended by journalists, media educators, and union leaders from across the country, the event honoured the life and legacy of a stalwart journalist and committed trade unionist who dedicated his life to the cause of press freedom and workers’ rights.
Representatives from leading journalistic bodies, including the Federation of PTI Employees Union, Times Employees Union, and Confederation of Newspaper Employees Union, pledged to uphold Dr Rao’s lifelong mission to protect journalistic integrity, promote independent reporting, and defend the rights of media professionals across India.
Many speakers recalled Dr Rao’s remarkable career trajectory, resigning from the Indian Police Service to join The Times of India and his principled stand during the 1975 Emergency, which led to his arrest in the Baroda Dynamite Case alongside George Fernandes.
His multilingual proficiency and socialist values shaped his influential writings in over 80 publications, spanning English, Hindi, Urdu, and Telugu.
The gathering also saw an emotional recollection of Dr Rao’s final days, during which he continued contributing to journalism.
Speakers from Press Trust of India (PTI), including President Indukant Dixit and General Secretary Balram Dhaiya, raised concerns over challenges faced by the national news agency, highlighting threats from certain political quarters and the growing influence of foreign propaganda networks.
The IFWJ Working Committee, during its meeting at the Press Club of India, passed a resolution to establish a core coordination group. Vice Presidents Shri Gopal Mishra, Shri Upendra Singh Rathore, Shri Mohan Kumar, Treasurer Shri Rajat Mishra, and Secretary General Shri Vipin Dhulia (as the coordinator) will manage the IFWJ’s affairs until members elect a new president later this year.
Union leaders from states including Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tripura shared tributes, personal anecdotes, and messages of solidarity.
Several dignitaries, including trade union leaders and senior journalists, praised Dr Rao’s vision and unwavering dedication to a free and fair press.
The event concluded with a solemn two-minute silence, followed by the committee’s pledge to honour Dr Rao’s legacy by ensuring the continued growth and independence of Indian journalism.
A National Council session in Rajasthan was also confirmed to further this vision.
With collective resolve, the IFWJ reaffirmed its commitment to fearless journalism, professional ethics, and media neutrality principles that Dr K Vikram Rao championed throughout his life.
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