A conclave was organised in Chandigarh on Saturday to mark the 20th anniversary of Aaj Samaj, one of North India’s leading Hindi daily newspapers. The event brought together senior political leaders, administrators, artists, and representatives from public life across Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the newspaper’s two-decade journey of impartial and public-interest journalism.
Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma, who laid the foundation of Aaj Samaj 20 years ago, said the institution was envisioned as a strong pillar of democracy, committed to carrying the voice of the people with balance, credibility, and accountability.
He noted that Aaj Samaj has consistently worked to strengthen democratic discourse by highlighting social concerns and public issues while maintaining journalistic integrity. Over the years, the newspaper has expanded its presence across print and digital platforms, adapting to changing media landscapes without compromising on values.
Addressing the conclave, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini congratulated Aaj Samaj on completing 20 years and said the newspaper has continuously set benchmarks in print journalism by raising social issues with impartiality.
He stressed that a healthy democracy requires space for opposition voices, but baseless allegations without facts weaken democratic debate. The Chief Minister highlighted that the BJP government has ensured jobs for youth and delivery of welfare schemes through transparent and fair processes.
The conclave was also attended by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in whose presence cultural programmes showcasing regional art and heritage were presented. Congratulating Aaj Samaj on its milestone, he said journalism and culture together play a vital role in shaping social consciousness.
He noted that Himachal Pradesh is steadily progressing on development indicators and emphasised the collective goal of making the state more prosperous, aligned with the national aspiration of a Viksit Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Wide Participation Across States
The event witnessed participation from a large number of political leaders and public figures from Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. Those present included Haryana Cabinet Ministers Ranbir Singh Gangwa, Aarti Rao, Krishan Lal Panwar, and Shruti Choudhary, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, BJP leader Rajeev Bindal, and Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, among several other senior leaders and representatives from public life.
Prominent personalities from the fields of art and culture also attended the conclave, including noted actor Yashpal Sharma, popular Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma, and Padma Shri awardee Mahavir Guddu, adding a cultural dimension to the event.
Foundation and Vision of Aaj Samaj
It is noteworthy that Aaj Samaj was founded 20 years ago by MP Kartikeya Sharma with the objective of strengthening journalism as the third pillar of democracy. Since its inception, the newspaper has focused on public interest, social accountability, and responsible reporting, building trust between citizens and democratic institutions.
Speakers at the conclave collectively observed that in an era of rapid digital transformation and information overload, the role of credible and responsible journalism has become even more critical. Aaj Samaj’s journey over the last two decades was acknowledged as a sustained effort to uphold democratic values while evolving with time.