Pathak pays tribute to brave journalist
*Take welfare measures for scribes: Pargal to Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 11: Teachers Association-XI tonight lifted Ashok Sodhi Memorial Cricket Trophy defeating Veterans Cricket Association-XI in the finals.
DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua range Shakti Pathak, who was chief guest of the function, presented trophy to winners as well as runners-up along with Press Club of Jammu president Sanjeev Pargal.
Entire Management Committee of the Club was present on the occasion including Dinesh Manhotra, Secretary General, Zorawar Singh Jamwal, vice president, Channi Anand, Finance Secretary and Nishikant Khajuria, Dinesh Mahajan, Vishal Bharti, Deepak Khajuria, Ajay Meenia, Govind Chouhan and Kunal Shrivatas, all executive committee members.
Ashok Sodhi’s daughter Inna and son-in-law Sumit specially graced the occasion and also presented trophies to winners and runners up.
Speaking on the occasion, Pathak highlighted the sacrifices of journalists all over the world including Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, Danish Siddiqui in Afghanistan and Ashok Sodhi in Jammu and Kashmir.
He highlighted bravery of journalists while performing their duties.
Pathak appreciated working of the Press Club under the leadership of Pargal including welfare measures for journalists, staff and all-round improvement. He expressed confidence that shortly it will become Number one Club of Jammu.
He said by organizing cricket tournament, the Press Club has paid befitting tribute to martyr journalist Ashok Sodhi.
In his address, Press Club president Sanjeev Pargal recalled his personal association with Ashok Sodhi and described him as “bold and brave” photojournalist who attained martyrdom in the line of duty.
Describing as very rare and significant the decision of Daily Excelsior management to pay Rs 12,000 per month pension to Sodhi’s wife, he hoped that the Government will also take similar initiatives for the family of martyr.
He hoped that the Government will take welfare measures for journalists like other States/UTs.
Earlier, Shakti Pathak, Press Club Management Committee, senior journalists and players offered tribute to Ashok Sodhi and recalled his contribution to the field of photo journalism.
Earlier, hat-trick loaded Nitin helped Teachers Association XI to lift Ashok Sodhi Memorial Cricket Trophy final played at Maulana Azad Stadium here.
They defeated star studded Veterans Cricket Association J&K XI by 27 runs.
Batting first after winning the toss, Teachers Association XI was bundled at least total of 80 runs in 16.5 overs.
Ajay Raina and Manish Sharma scored 15 runs each from winning side.
Rahul Jamwal from Veterans Cricket Association J&K XI clinched four wickets.
Chasing the target, Veterans side collapsed at 53 in 11.2 overs.
Nitin’s hat-trick helped Teachers to take home the Trophy.
Earlier, Brigadier Manpravesh Herr, Commander, 36 Infantry Brigade was the special guest before the match.
He interacted with the players and wished them luck for the match.
The tournament was organized by the Press Club of Jammu.
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