Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma unveiled the statue of late journalist Pankaj Sharma, remembering his contribution to journalism.

Raipur, 
Raipur has given many eminent journalists to the country and the state in the field of journalism, one of them is the name of senior journalist late Pankaj Sharma. In order to make his memory everlasting, his statue was unveiled by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma in Pankaj Garden, Kho-Kho Para. Many dignitaries associated with journalism, social and political fields including MP Brijmohan Agrawal, MLA Sunil Soni, MLA Motilal Sahu, MLA Anuj Sharma, senior journalist Himanshu Dwivedi, Raipur Press Club President Mohan Tiwari and Gyanesh Sharma from Akhand Brahmin Samaj were present in the function.

       During the ceremony, a special documentary of approximately one hour, based on the life and journalistic journey of the late Pankaj Sharma, was also screened. The documentary recalled his journalistic career, his work in India and abroad, his writing style, communication skills, and dedication to journalism. The documentary emotionally connected the attendees to Pankaj Sharma's personality and work.

Pankaj Sharma is an inspiration to an entire generation of journalists – Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma

      Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma said that the late Pankaj Sharma lived journalism not just as a profession, but as a responsibility and a mission. In his limited life, he created a mark with his talent and writing that continues to inspire the journalism world. Sharma said that perpetuating Pankaj Sharma's memory is not just an honor for an individual, but also for Raipur's rich journalistic tradition.

Pankaj Sharma gave national recognition to Raipur journalism: MP Brijmohan Agrawal

       MP Brijmohan Agrawal, who presided over the event, said that Pankaj Sharma represented Raipur's journalistic tradition, which earned national recognition through its talent and writing. He added that the heights Pankaj Sharma achieved in journalism are inspiring for generations to come. The unveiling of the statue in his memory will serve as an important medium to introduce future generations to his contributions.

    MLA Sunil Soni and MLA Motilal Sahu also remembered the late Pankaj Sharma and highlighted his contributions to journalism. Senior journalist Himanshu Dwivedi elaborated on Pankaj Sharma's journalistic style, his writings, and his influence on journalism during that era.

Proposal to establish institutions and honors in the name of Pankaj Sharma
        On this occasion, MLA Anuj Sharma put forward several important proposals to further honor the memory of the late Pankaj Sharma. He proposed expanding the name of Pankaj Udyan to "Journalist Pankaj Sharma Udyan," naming the school in Kho-Kho Para after "Journalist Pankaj Sharma," and establishing the Young Journalist State Award in the name of the late Pankaj Sharma.

     He also suggested naming a major building at the University of Journalism after Pankaj Sharma. All guests on the dais supported these proposals and agreed on the need to institutionally preserve Pankaj Sharma's memory.

       Speakers at the event noted that the late Pankaj Sharma made extraordinary contributions to journalism during his short life. He gave a new direction to Hindi journalism and enhanced the prestige of Indian journalism both domestically and internationally with his talent. This ceremony in his memory is not limited to the unveiling of a statue, but also a pledge to advance journalistic values, traditions, and inspiration for the new generation. The event was organized under the joint auspices of the Raipur Press Club, Akhand Brahmin Samaj Chhattisgarh, and the Brahmin Cultural Building Management Committee.