The Web Media Sammelan cum 7th Foundation Day celebration organized by the country's largest web journalist organization, Web Journalists Association of India (WJAI), commenced with great pomp at Anand Utsav Palace, Anandgarh in Bhagalpur, the silk city of Ang Pradesh. The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp jointly by former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey, former Vice Chancellor and Professor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi Journalism University, Prof. Dr. Sanjay Dwivedi, Group Editor of News 18 Brajesh Kumar Singh, and eminent media personalities from across the country.

Addressing the inaugural session, former Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said,

> "Web media has become the backbone of democracy today. Its strength lies in its pro-people approach and fearlessness. Journalists should never forget their responsibility towards the nation, society and truth."

While Prof. Dr. Sanjay Dwivedi, highlighting the role of web journalism, said,

> "Web media's greatest strength is its speed, but credibility is its true identity. Facts, balance, and sensitivity—these three pillars make web journalism strong."

News18 Group Editor Brajesh Kumar Singh, in his address, said,

> "In the digital age, the competition should be not to be the first to report news, but to be the most accurate. Web journalists must focus more on credibility than clicks."

On this occasion, the organization's National President Anand Kaushal and National General Secretary Dr. Amit Ranjan honored the guests with robes, symbols, and bouquets.

Pirpainti MLA Murari Paswan, Bhagalpur MLA Rohit Pandey, former Deputy Mayor Dr. Preeti Shekhar, and BJP leader Pawan Paswan were also present at the inaugural session.

National President Anand Kaushal delivered the welcome address, and National General Secretary Dr. Amit Ranjan delivered the vote of thanks.

Welcome Address by National President Anand Kaushal

In his welcome address, National President of the Web Journalists Association of India, Anand Kaushal, welcomed all the guests, speakers, and web journalists from across the country, saying, "It is a matter of pride and honor for us to welcome you all to the sacred land of Bhagalpur for the Web Media Sammelan and the 7th Foundation Day of WJAI. The Web Journalists Association of India is not just an organization, but a common platform for truth, courage, and sensitive journalism."

He further said, "Today, web media is taking on new responsibilities as the fourth pillar of democracy. Our endeavor is to unite web journalists and provide them with training, protection, and recognition, so that they can fearlessly practice journalism in the public interest."

National General Secretary Dr. Amit Ranjan's Vote of Thanks

At the end of the program, WJAI National General Secretary Dr. Amit Ranjan presented his vote of thanks, saying,

> "I express my heartfelt gratitude to all the guests on the stage, the speakers, the web journalists from across the country, the organizing team, and the media colleagues for the success of this historic event."

He said,

> "Your participation has proven that the future of web journalism is bright. Our organization will continue to fight for the rights, respect, and credible journalism of web journalists."

Dr. Ranjan also expressed special gratitude to all the partner organizations and the citizens of Bhagalpur who supported the event and wished them well for the upcoming sessions.

Intellectual Session: Limits and Borders of Web Media

In the second intellectual session, Prof. Dr. Sanjay Dwivedi and Brajesh Kumar Singh addressed web journalists from across the country on the topic, "Limits and Borders of Web Media." Speakers discussed fake news, ethics, fact-checking, and people-oriented journalism in detail, emphasizing that web media should have the courage to question both power and society, but with facts.

Open Session: Journalists' Outspoken Voice

In the third session of the first day, West Bengal State President Chandrachud Goswami, Mithilesh Mishra, Chandan Kumar, Surbhit Dutt, Ganpat Aryan, Santosh Jha, and Anupama Kaushal, along with several web journalists, shared their views. Speakers openly discussed the challenges facing web journalists, their security, recognition, and the strength of the organization. The sessions were moderated by National Secretary Madhup Mani Pikku.

The first day of the conference concluded with a pledge to make web journalism more empowered, credible, and people-oriented.