Jammu Press Club remembers photojournalist Ashok Sodhi, pays tributes

Jammu, May 11 The Journalist fraternity under the banner of Press Club of Jammu on Monday remembered senior photojournalist Ashok Sodhi on his 12th death anniversary here.

Sodhi sacrificed his life while performing professional duties during an encounter in 2008 at Kaili Mandi in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Ashok Sodhi-was a photojournalist with a local English Daily.

The management of Press Club of Jammu and the journalists representing different media houses, remembered their colleague and paid tributes to the departed soul, a handout issued here said.

Secretary General, Press Club of Jammu, Zorawar Singh Jamwal remembered his days with late Sodhi and termed him as a professional man.

Singh said that likewise every year, the tributes paying event could not be organised on larger scale due to ongoing lockdown and COVID situation but every member belonging to this fraternity, remembered Sodhi on this day and paid tributes.

He said that Sodhi was not only known for his professionalism but also for participation in social activities besides always being ready to help the needy.

He however, advised the working journalists to be careful and alert while performing their professional duties and added, "not only while covering law and order problem or gun battles but in the prevailing COVID19 situation also, we have to remain alert and stay safe when working in field while performing professional duties."

“Government has not yet come up with welfare schemes for the journalists especially those working in field,” Jamwal said.

President, PCJ Ashwani Kumar also remembered Sodhi on this day and shared the moments they had lived together as professionals and Friends.

"Sodhi was a lively man. His satires even during long hours working in the field, used to refresh us," he said adding that he was always active and ready to help the needy. "In short I must say that Sodhi was always just a call away for those need any help," said Kumar.

He however, asked journalists especially the photojournalists to stay safe and keep their safety first when performing duties especially at this juncture when the whole world is fighting against Corona Virus.

Former president PCJ and senior journalist, Manu Srivatsa also recalled his closeness with Sodhi and his contribution besides role in the development of the Press Club of Jammu.

"Sodhi was a close friend and like brotherly figure to me. We cherished lovely moments off and on field and he will always be remembered for his noble gestures, above all for his professionalism," he added.

PCJ Vice President Abhimanyu Sharma said, "Sodhi has always been supportive by all means not only to journalist fraternity but to everyone who is in need."
"He held special space among photojournalists because of his helping nature, always smiling face and professional approach," said Abhimanyu Sharma.
Other members including Dinesh Manhotra, Nishikant Khajuria, Pawan Sharma, Ajay Bachloo, Deepak Khajuria, Dinesh Mahajan and Vishal Bharti also remembered Sodhi.