Millat Times celebrated its 9th anniversary at a packed gathering in the Press Club of India on Saturday. The celebration featured discussions on “The Role of Media in Democracy,” with religious scholars, parliamentarians, intellectuals, and journalists praising the media house’s efforts in amplifying marginalised voices.
Former Union Minister Salman Khurshid emphasised that media and democracy are inseparable. “Voting is merely the beginning of democracy, not its entirety,” he stated. He noted that both media outlets and voters often fail to realise their democratic responsibilities. He called for unity between minorities and Dalits to strengthen their collective voice, while raising questions about whether media should focus on truth-telling or judgment in a democracy.
Syed Sadatullah Husaini, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, highlighted the crucial relationship between media and democracy, emphasising media’s role as democracy’s fourth pillar. He praised the rise of citizen journalism in India and advocated for solution-oriented reporting.
Press Club of India President Gautam Lahiri discussed the organization’s efforts to protect journalists and media houses from persecution, calling for a national policy to safeguard journalists across India.
Mohammed Adeeb, former Rajya Sabha MP and Chairman of Indian Muslims for Civil Rights, addressed media commercialisation, noting that newspapers are often compromised before reaching readers. He pointed to independent media platforms as beacons of hope.
Rajya Sabha MP Imran Pratapgarhi stressed the community’s responsibility to support independent media, particularly when dissent faces suppression. He emphasised the importance of truth-speaking platforms that challenge authority.
Senior journalist Bhasha Singh critiqued mainstream media while praising Gaza’s journalists for demonstrating effective truth-telling despite limited resources and training.
Dr. Khalid Anwar, Chief Editor of Hamara Samaj, commended media’s power to shape narratives, highlighting Millat Times’ essential role in representing marginalised voices in the current media landscape.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief Shams Tabrez Qasmi shared Millat Times’ growth journey, noting that despite challenges, the platform now reaches over 70 million people monthly with approximately five million subscribers.
Shruti Sharma and Mohammad Sufiyan Saif conducted the event, with Ruba Ansari delivering the vote of thanks.
