Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
Mumbai, August 12, 2025:
The Maharashtra state unit elections of the Journalists and Media Association (JMA) concluded successfully on Tuesday at the Mumbai Municipal Corporation canteen, witnessing the enthusiastic participation of journalists from across Mumbai. The election was conducted under the chairmanship of Shri Sudhir Sharma, Maharashtra State Coordinator of the JMA.
In the results, Hansraj Kanojia was elected as the State President, Arjun Kamble as the State General Secretary, and Anand Srivastava as the State Treasurer. Other key appointments include Sunil Mahakal, Sunil Nikam, and Ramesh Autade as State Vice-Presidents, Bhalchand Nemane and Raj Pandey as State Joint Secretaries, and Uttam Singh as the Joint Treasurer.
Speaking to the media after his victory, Hansraj Kanojia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the National President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and Shri Sudhir Sharma for the trust placed in him.
> “The media, as the fourth pillar of democracy, has always been a voice for justice. Unfortunately, there are continuous attempts to weaken it through oppression and injustice. The condition of journalism today is concerning, and it needs urgent strengthening. The Journalist and Media Association is like a ‘Sanjeevani booti’ that will empower journalists with legal support to protect their rights,” said Kanojia.
Addressing the gathering, Maharashtra State Coordinator Shri Sudhir Sharma highlighted the need for journalists to be more aware and proactive about their role in society. He stressed the importance of exercising journalistic rights, spreading social awareness, and implementing the profession’s commitment to public welfare. Sharma provided detailed guidance on how journalists can strengthen their position in the state and contribute to building an informed society.
The event marked a significant step in uniting media professionals across Maharashtra under a shared mission of safeguarding press freedom and ensuring justice for journalists.