SHIMLA -16 November, 2025

L&T Group presented 5 crore cheque to CM for disaster relief

A delegation of the Larsen & Toubro Group (L&T) called on Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu at Himachal Sadan in New Delhi today and handed over a cheque of rupees five crore as assistance for disaster relief.

The delegation included Executive Vice President L&T Group A.R. Soni, Deputy General Manager Sachin Rana, and Administration Head Tarun Kumar Dutt. During the meeting, the representatives conveyed the Group’s commitment to support Himachal Pradesh in the aftermath of the recent natural calamity.

The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the L&T Group for their generous contribution, noting that such support greatly strengthens the State Government’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

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Chief Minister expresses grief over the passing of senior journalist Nalin Acharya

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed deep grief over the demise of Former President of Chandigarh Press Club, Nalin Acharya, (67), popularly known as Bandhu ji. In his condolence message, the Chief Minister said that Nalin Acharya was a dedicated and courageous journalist who upheld the values of truthful reporting throughout his career. He added that his contribution to the field of journalism, especially his commitment to highlighting issues of public importance, would always be remembered.

Sh. Sukhu said that the demise of Nalin Acharya was a great loss to the media fraternity and to society at large. He conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty to grant them strength to bear this irreparable loss.

Nalin's father, Santosh Kumar started Shivalik Sandesh from Shimla in 1976 and Vir Himachal in 1980. Nalin started his journalistic career from Vir Himachal from Shimla.

The Chief Minister also prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

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Promoting transparency in press will keep democracy vibrant and alive: Rajesh Dharmani

While presiding over the State-level function of National Press Day here today the Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said that this day not only draws attention to the freedom and responsibilities of the press, but also underscores its role in building a transparent society. The press plays a pivotal role in democracy. Promoting transparency in the press will keep democracy vibrant and alive. He said that the role of the media is to convey important public issues to the government. The media's job is to raise the voices of the underprivileged sections of society.

In the age of Information Technology, the media is facing many challenges. Due to technologies like AI and deep fakes, misinformation spreads rapidly in society and the difference between true and false information has a direct impact. The media plays a vital role in shaping the nation and the society, he said.

Sh. Dharmani stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the government has initiated welfare policies and schemes and taken numerous public welfare initiatives. He stated that the media has a responsibility to ensure that the government's decisions in the public interest are disseminated to the public so that they can derive benefits out of the schemes.

Speaking at the event, Principal Advisor (Media) to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan said that the media acts as a bridge between the government and the public. It is the media's responsibility to disseminate the government's public welfare programs to the public and convey public feedback to the government. He stated that publishing fact-based news is essential in journalism emphasizing on the importance of introspection to maintain media credibility.

Earlier, Professor Shashikant Sharma Chairman Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Himachal Pradesh University Shimla, presented his views on "Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation." He stated that the competition for breaking news has threatened the credibility of news. Social media and other platforms of information have brought about numerous changes in the field of journalism. In many countries around the world, a campaign has been launched to replace "breaking news" with "slow news," which aims to present accurate information in detail with facts, instead of taking credit for TRP. Nevertheless, we must ensure that accurate information reaches the public through technology. This is the time to promote investigative journalism.

Chief Editor of Hillpost Ravindra Makhaik said that the topic 'Safeguarding Press Credibility for deliberations this season, has zeroed down the very essence of the subject. As policy makers, journalists, readers, viewers, we are all at sea about what to believe and what to reject as fake news. It is difficult to distinguish between information and misinformation. The information wars have become more intense and the weaponization of information at scale has become a threat to society. He said that in this age of social media, fake news spreads rapidly, which directly impacts the society. The advent of social media has transformed the very nature of journalism. Therefore, it is the responsibility of media personnel to maintain journalistic values and deliver accurate information to the public after verifying facts.

Consulting Editor of News-18 Network Mukesh Rajput said that raising question is crucial in journalism. Questions asked in the public interest certainly receive answers. He said that journalists should focus on issues of public concern rather than pursuing hidden agendas. Cross questioning is must to maintain the credibility of news and the journalists should desist from asking the same, and certainly he would arrive at a positive conclusion.

During the interactive session, senior journalist P.C. Lohumi said that in today's environment, character building is essential, along with the credibility of the press. Journalists should speak impartially and fearlessly, without discrimination and without any greed. Senior journalist Ashwani Sharma said that in journalism, instead of running one-sided stories, it is essential to present versions of both sides, which increases the credibility of the news and journalists.

Director Information and Public Relations Rajiv Kumar welcomed the guests and honored them on the occasion. He thanked all the speakers and media personnel present for attending the event and congratulated them on National Press Day.

Regional President of All India Radio, Shimla Ritesh Kapoor, representatives of various media organizations and students from the Department of Journalism, Himachal Pradesh University were also present on the occasion.

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State Government is committed to promoting Himachal’s cultural identity at the National level: Chief Secretary

The 15-day Him Utsav, showcasing Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, handloom, handicraft, cuisine and folk traditions, was inaugurated today at Delhi Haat. The festival, reflecting the state’s cultural identity and artistic legacy, will continue till 30 November.

The event was formally inaugurated by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, who lit the ceremonial lamp. DGP Ashok Tiwari, Managing Director of the Handloom & Handicrafts Corporation Ms. Gandharva Rathore, and senior officers from various departments were present on the occasion. The festival brings together Himachal’s art, culture, folk performances and cuisine under one platform.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta said that Himachal Pradesh is known for its cultural diversity, craftsmanship, handloom traditions and culinary heritage. He said the State Government is committed to promoting Himachal’s cultural identity at the national level, and events like Him Utsav provide visitors an opportunity to experience the state’s traditions closely.

He added that such festivals offer artisans and craftsmen a valuable platform to understand market trends, interact with customers and showcase their products effectively. Himachal’s handloom and handicraft products, appreciated across the country for their quality and originality, gain wider exposure through this event.

Managing Director Gandharva Rathore informed that this year’s festival features crafts integrated with modern design, fusion concepts and value addition. The specially curated collections prepared by the Corporation are receiving enthusiastic response from visitors. The Corporation is the nodal agency for the event this year.

A total of 86 stalls have been set up, including those run by Self-Help Groups under the National Rural Livelihood Mission. These stalls display handicrafts, traditional garments, decorative items and locally produced food products made by rural women, contributing to the rural economy.

The festival includes daily folk dance performances, live music and stalls serving authentic Himachali delicacies such as Siddu, Dham, Babru, Chana Madra and more. Chambyali, Kinnauri, Kangri and Sirmauri crafts, along with woollen products and shawls, are key attractions.

Him Utsav will continue at Delhi Haat till 30 November, offering visitors a vibrant glimpse into Himachal Pradesh’s cultural and artistic heritage.