Mumbai Press Club

17/11/2024

Rahul Gandhi's high-handed attitude toward working journalists is deeply troubling and warrants serious concern.


At an election rally in Amaravati, Maharashtra, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, made sweeping remarks about working journalists, accusing them of being beholden to the ruling regime and labelling them as "slaves of their owners." While cloaked in concern for the plight of journalists, his comments carried a tone of condescension that warrants closer scrutiny.

Has Mr Gandhi ever reflected on the root causes of the challenges faced by working journalists in India and the state of journalism as a whole? The precarious conditions of journalists today stem largely from rampant contractualisation, driven in part by the neoliberal policies introduced by the Congress-led government in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Until then, journalists had fought for and secured significant rights, including unionization and better working conditions. Contractualisation, however, allowed monopoly media houses to sack journalists at will, weakening unions and leaving journalists vulnerable.

If Mr. Gandhi truly wishes to address the plight of journalists, perhaps he should redirect his critique toward the media owners and the structural issues within the industry. The ever-present threat of dismissal, combined with an oversupply of unemployed and underemployed journalists, makes it unrealistic to expect working journalists to rebel against the system at great personal risk.

While we acknowledge the immense challenges posed by the current government’s authoritarian tendencies toward the media, it is equally concerning to witness Mr Gandhi’s repeated targeting of journalists. His rhetoric raises legitimate concerns about how his party might approach the press if it were to return to power. If Prime Minister Narendra Modi is rightly criticised for avoiding open press conferences, Mr Gandhi’s recurrent mockery and derision of journalists also deserve rebuke.

The Mumbai Press Club has consistently stood against the violation of journalists’ rights, whether by ruling parties, media owners, or other forces. We, therefore, view the high-handed approach of the Leader of the Opposition toward working journalists as a matter of serious concern. Constructive dialogue and accountability, not dismissive remarks, are what the media—and democracy—deserve.

31/10/2024

Wishing you and your family a Diwali filled with joy, light, and boundless prosperity.

01/10/2024

We deeply regret to inform you of the untimely demise of our member and senior journalist of Maharashtra Times, Mr. Nitin Shantaram Chavan.

Mr. Chavan (age 54) was a dedicated journalist who used his pen to advocate for the weak and marginalised in society. He passed away early this morning, Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 3:30 AM. With 27 years in journalism, Mr. Chavan had been reporting on the Mumbai Municipal Corporation for the last 20 years. For the past 15 years, he was associated with 'Maharashtra Times,' and prior to that, he worked with publications such as Mumbai Tarun Bharat, Sakal, and Saamana.

Mr. Chavan is survived by his father, mother, wife, daughter, and son. In this moment of grief, the Mumbai Press Club stands in solidarity with the Chavan family.

Nitin Chavan's address: Hill View Society, Room No. 21, Third Floor, Mirza Bakery Lane, near Vikhroli Railway Station West, Mumbai.

(Final respects can be paid at his residence between 1:00 PM and 3:30 PM, with the funeral scheduled for 4:00 PM.)

28/08/2024

The Mumbai Press Club strongly condemns BJP MP Narayan Rane for threatening ABP journalist Amol More during his visit to Rajkot Fort on Wednesday, August 28.

Rane, the former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, angrily snatched a boom mic from the reporter and warned of consequences for asking questions. Rane was in Sindhudurg today to review the site where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue had collapsed.

Narayan Rane's behaviour is utterly inappropriate and a blatant abuse of power.

We urge Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who also serves as the Home Minister, to take prompt action against Rane for his threats against the journalist.

Journalists have the right to ask questions, and no one should intimidate them from doing their job.

20/08/2024

Condemnation of Shiv Sena leader Vaman Mhatre

Following the horrific incident in Badlapur, Vaman Mhatre, former Mayor of Badlapur and leader of the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), has shown blatant disregard for public sentiment by blaming the entire incident on journalists.

He has irresponsibly claimed that the media is inciting unrest and even went so far as to use language suggesting that the journalists, particularly referring to Mohini Jadhav, are exaggerating the situation as if they themselves were victims of the assault.

The Mumbai Club strongly condemns Vaman Mhatre's statements and demands strict action against him. The Club has formally requested the Chief Minister of Maharashtra to intervene.

17/08/2024

Veteran sports journalist Dara Pochkhanawala no more

Dear Members,

Veteran sports journalist and club member Dara Pochkhanawala passed away on Friday night in Mumbai after a prolonged illness. He was 74.

Dara, a former sports editor of Mumbai Samachar, was also an elected member of the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Managing Committee. A respected figure in the sports community, he served as an office bearer of the Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai, was a founding member of the All India Cricket Scorer & Statistician Committee, and was a former member of the Umpire Sub-Committee of the Mumbai Cricket Association. Notably, Dara was a gold medalist in the MCA umpires examination in the 1970s.

Dara was unmarried.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends. May they find strength and comfort during this difficult time.

11/08/2024

Veteran photojournalist and club member Pardeep Bhandekar is no more

It is with deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences on the untimely death of Pardeep Bhandekar, a true luminary in the world of film photography. Pardeep was one of our longest-serving members.

On Saturday night, Pardeep, feeling unwell, fell unconscious and was rushed to the nearest hospital by his son, Prathamesh Bhandekar. Unfortunately, despite all efforts, he could not be revived.

For over four decades, Pardeep's extraordinary talent and vision immortalized the essence of Bollywood, leaving behind a visual legacy that will be cherished for generations.

His sudden departure is a tremendous loss to the industry and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. Pardeep's work captured the magic of cinema like no other, and his absence will be deeply felt.

We extend our thoughts and prayers to his family during this incredibly difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and guide those who follow in his footsteps.

30/07/2024

It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the untimely passing of our esteemed colleague, Harshal Bhadane Patil, Anchor-Reporter of Times Now Marathi (Digital). Harshal tragically lost his life in a road accident on the evening of July 29th near Dhule.

He leaves behind his parents and wife, who are in our thoughts during this difficult time. The Mumbai Press Club family stands in solidarity with Harshal’s loved ones, offering our heartfelt condolences and unwavering support.

22/05/2024

Municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani said the ongoing infrastructure projects in Mumbai will soon lead to a socio-economic transformation for the city. Speaking at a session organized by the Mumbai Press Club, Gagrani emphasized that these projects will significantly impact urban mobility and socio-economic development. He was joined by retired bureaucrat R C Sinha and architect and housing activist P K Das.

Related News:
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/towards-a-livable-modern-mumbai-experts-weigh-in

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbais-infra-development-to-bring-about-socio-economic-transformation-bmc-commissioner-9343606/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/infrastructure-projects-in-mumbai-to-drive-socio-economic-transformation/articleshow/110315197.cms?pcode=462

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/mumbai-news/bmc-chief-praises-infra-boom-architect-points-out-its-dangers-101716319709067.html

13/05/2024

It is with deep sadness and regret that we must inform you of the passing of a senior cameraman and our member, Vaibhav Kangutkar, early this morning. He suffered a massive heart attack while covering the elections in the Beed constituency, Maharashtra.

Vaibhav, aged 49, a senior cameraman at India Today, served the group for over two decades across its various news channels.

He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time, and we hope they find the strength to cope with this immense loss.

30/04/2024

The Mumbai Press Club, in collaboration with Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital, organized a Free Eye Checkup Camp for journalists and members at the club. In addition to the eye checkup, Dr. Smit M. Bavaria, a Cataract Surgeon, provided valuable tips for easing discomfort during a heatwave and caring for dry eyes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the team from Dr. Agarwals Eye Hospital.

29/04/2024

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL FOR SATISH SENDS STRONG MESSAGE

Mumbai Press Club's candlelight vigil as a remembrance for Satish Nandagaonkar sent a powerful message to HT Media that the company had yet to deal with his untimely death.

Considering the stalemate with HT refusing to release its report and recommendations, the Press Club will be asking the Editors Guild to step in.

The N.M. Joshi Marg police have begun their investigation, and Satish's wife has been called to record her statement. The big question Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar has fielded to his men is: why was no post-mortem done?

Anjali Ambekar, Satish's wife, thanked the large gathering of friends and journalists for their passionate support.

Those who think people will forget with the passage of time must think again.

26/04/2024

Mumbai Press Club condemns unknown persons threatening Journalist Neha Purav.

The Mumbai Press Club strongly condemns the threatening incident against a journalist for reporting news about Mumbai North BJP candidate Piyush Goyal. Unknown individuals entered journalist Neha Purav's residence on Thursday night and warned her against publishing news critical of Piyush Goyal.

A few days ago, Purav, working with Navakaal, reported that Goyal had expressed discomfort with the smell of fish while visiting a fish market in North Mumbai during his campaign.

We urge the Mumbai Police to take immediate action against those responsible for threatening Journalist Neha Purav.

26/04/2024

The Mumbai Press Club, in collaboration with Asar Social Impact Advisors, organized an interactive session focused on enhancing weather and climate reporting. Sunil Kamble, Head of the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Mumbai, conducted the session, covering topics such as the pivotal role of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), best practices in weather reporting, efficient navigation of IMD websites for information retrieval, and the specific implications of climate change, particularly on heatwaves in Maharashtra.

Thank you to IMD and Asar Social Impact Advisors for the enlightening session!

25/04/2024

Satish Nangaonkar’s tragic death was not in vain. It triggered a wave of protests against the Resident Editor, who humiliated and bullied him. It also sparked a nationwide debate on the norms of newsroom behaviour. HT Media had no option but to accede to an investigation. A 4-member internal Inquiry Committee was set up. But, despite dozens of depositions against Ms Baghel’s practices, the Inquiry Committee has let her off with a warning. Group Editor Sukumar Ranganathan has announced to HT staffers: She stays!

But we are determined to pierce the veil. The Mumbai Press Club has demanded the Inquiry report and recommendations be made public. In the interactions with the Club, HT officials said the Inquiry does not cover the death of Satish Nandgoankar, but in the same breath, they also claimed Satish died of “natural causes”! Where is the evidence for this brazen statement? How did this ill-equipped internal Inquiry Committee come to such a conclusion? Meanwhile, wife, Anjali Ambekar has filed a police complaint, and the law will take its own course.

There is no doubt the Internal Inquiry has been a whitewash. It did not even bother to interview Anjali Ambekar, who is privy to Satish’s version of his final round of humiliations. The Mumbai Press Club will demand a fresh Inquiry, this time by an independent body like the Editors Guild.

And the protest will go on. Join the Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil for Satish on Monday, 29 April, at 7.00 PM at the Press Club.

17/04/2024

Mumbai Press Club visit by Journalism students from D Y Patil International University, Akurdi, Pune.

11/04/2024

06/04/2024

The Electoral bonds judgment - Implications and repercussions.

MEET-THE-PRESS with:
Prashant Bhushan, Adv, Supreme Court, who appeared for the petitioners ADR and Common Cause, and
Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI activist & member of Common Cause

Watch live on Sunday 7 April at 2 pm.

The Mumbai Press Club invites you to a 'Meet-the-Press' session on: "Implications of the Electoral Bonds judgment & revelations through subsequent disclosure...