Digital Bharat Summit 2025 Celebrates the Role of Digital Journalism

New Delhi: The national capital witnessed a significant gathering of media professionals and distinguished guests on Saturday as the Web Journalists Association of India (WJAI) hosted the Digital Bharat Summit 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dwarka. Organised in collaboration with Primetime Research Media Pvt. Ltd., the event brought together eminent personalities from the fields of journalism, education, health, tourism and public service to discuss the evolving role of digital journalism in India.

The summit opened with a detailed discussion on the foundation, vision and objectives of WJAI, highlighting its ongoing efforts to strengthen the digital media landscape and uphold ethical journalism. Attendees expressed appreciation for the association’s commitment to credibility and responsibility in the age of rapid digital dissemination.

Sunil Gavaskar Commends WJAI

Legendary cricketer and chief guest Sunil Gavaskar lauded WJAI for its initiatives and honoured WJAI National President Anand Kaushal for his leadership in uniting digital journalists across the nation. Gavaskar acknowledged the growing impact of digital platforms and encouraged the media fraternity to continue upholding truth and integrity.

Media Integrity is Crucial – Ashwini Choubey

Former Union Minister Ashwini Choubey, also present as chief guest, emphasised the indispensable role of journalism in society. He noted that WJAI is not only working for the rights and welfare of journalists but also reminding them of their greater responsibilities toward the public.

“In today’s digital era, journalism has sparked a new revolution worldwide,” Choubey said. “In the age of social media, safeguarding authenticity and purity is a major challenge, and WJAI is fulfilling this duty with commendable dedication.”

Building a Responsible Digital Media Framework

Addressing the gathering, WJAI National President Anand Kaushal stated that the organisation is creating a strong, accountable framework for digital journalism in India. He highlighted that WJAI is the country’s largest web media body and is registered under the Digital Media Ethics Code 2021 as the first SRB (Self-Regulatory Body), functioning through the Web Journalists’ Standard Authority (WJSA).

Leaders Share Their Vision

Other national office bearers, including WJAI National Vice President Dr. Leena, National General Secretary Dr. Amit Ranjan, and National Secretary & Bihar In-charge Madhup Mani Piku, also shared their perspectives on current challenges and the future of digital journalism. Pankaj Prasoon, WJAI Delhi President, delivered the vote of thanks.

Honouring Excellence in Journalism and Public Service

The summit also recognised individuals for their contributions to journalism, social service and public communication. Among the awardees were:

Anand Kaushal, National President, WJAI – honoured by Sunil Gavaskar

Dr. Leena, Dr. Amit Ranjan, Madhup Mani Piku, Manjesh Kumar, Akbar Imam, Chandan Kumar, Vivek Kumar, Pankaj Prasoon, Kunal Bhagat, Amit Singh – for their service to journalism

Gautam Radheshyam Morarka – for contributions to politics and social work

G.D. Gyani – renowned mathematics educator from Bhagalpur, Bihar

Bhaskar Jha, head of media communications and marketing, Petridish Media

Himanshu Gupta, Prabhasakshi Group

Sumit Sharma, senior journalist from Bikaner, Rajasthan

Roshan Srivastava, public relations professional

The Digital Bharat Summit 2025 underscored WJAI’s pivotal role in shaping ethical and responsible digital journalism, reaffirming the organisation’s mission to empower media professionals in the rapidly evolving digital era.