Lessons from Ranchi: How Bihar’s Journalists Lost Their Press Club

The successful and democratic functioning of the Ranchi Press Club, with regular elections and institutional growth, offers a vital lesson for journalists in Bihar, where a similar initiative in Patna collapsed before it could launch. In 2019, the Bihar government provided a significant opportunity by allotting a 1.5-acre plot for a modern press club in Patna. The project attracted considerable interest, with over 600 members joining and significant funds being raised and allocated. However, the ambition for a functional press club was sabotaged by internal conflicts, driven by the ego and self-interest of a few prominent journalists. This infighting led to the premature disintegration of the Patna Press Club, resulting in the government withdrawing the land and building. In stark contrast, Jharkhand’s Ranchi Press Club, established during the Raghubar Das government, has thrived for seven years, holding consistent, fair elections. The recent election saw Shambhunath Chaudhary take over as president, supported by a democratically elected body. The achievements under previous leadership, such as enhancing the club’s fund from ₹8 lakh to ₹28 lakh, providing lifetime free memberships to seasoned journalists, reducing membership fees, and undertaking significant renovations funded by the government, exemplify strong institutional leadership. These accomplishments underscore the potential that was squandered in Patna due to internal discord.