A heart felt largely attended programme to observe 8th death anniversary of Ashok Sodhi, photojournalist of Jammu, was organized today by Jammu Working Journalists Association at K.L. Sehgal Hall.The programme was presided over by Speaker J&K Assembly Kavinder Gupta.The programme started with the laying of floral wreaths at the portrait of Ashok Sodhi by Kavinder Gupta, Jammu East MLA Rajesh Gupta, Director Doordarshan Anjali Sharma, senior journalist Sohail Qazmi and Cultural Academy Additional Secretary Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn.Kavinder Gupta, while paying rich tributes to Ashok Sodhi, said that he had laid down his life in the line of duty and has raised the standing and prestige of the entire media fraternity, especially that of Jammu. “Ashok Sodhi, unmindful of his personal safety, went on covering the anti-militant operation in Samba town highlighting the bravery of our security forces and paid the highest price”, Kavinder said and added that Sodhi had set up an example and standard of professional commitment for others to emulate.
Rajesh Gupta said that media has played a sterling role in highlighting the depredations and atrocities of militants and thereby ensured total and complete public support to the government against the militants.Sohail Qazmi recalled his close association with Ashok Sodhi and termed him as a man committed to his professional and its fearless practicing.Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn described Ashok Sodhi as a dedicated media person, who always took lead in covering risky events.Ina Sodhi, daughter of Ashok Sodhi, also paid emotional tribute and said that she is proud of her father and shall endeavor to follow his example in the life.Jammu Working Journalists Association also felicitated photojournalists Surjit Singh, Anand Sharma and Tumul Sharma in recognition of their services, which stand even endorsed by Cultural Academy by honouring them in 2014-15.Ina Sodhi was felicitated on behalf of her martyr father Ashok Sodhi.Woman Police Officer Shakti Sharma was also felicitated on the occasion.Organizing Committee thanked Cultural Academy for extending cooperation in organizing the programme.Roshni Kumari, a known singer and male singer Sunil Kumar presented songs as a tribute to Late Ashok Sodhi.