Delhi's Britannia Chowk has been given a new identity. The intersection has been renamed Ashwini Chopra (Minna) Chowk in honour of senior journalist Ashwini Chopra. On Friday, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta together unveiled the commemorative plaque and formally launched the new name. Speaking on the occasion, CM Rekha Gupta said the gesture was the government's sincere tribute to a fearless and honest journalist.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister wrote, "In the presence of Hon'ble Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu ji, I took part today in the ceremony renaming Britannia Chowk in Shakarpur as Ashwini Chopra 'Minna' Chowk. The life of the late Ashwini Chopra ji — a senior journalist, social worker and former MP from Karnal — was devoted to public service, sensitivity and social values. This tribute from Delhi will always keep his contribution in remembrance."
Ashwini Loved His Country Deeply- Rajat Sharma
On this occasion, India TV Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma met Ashwini Chopra's family. Recalling old times, he said, "Ashwini Chopra was a very dear friend of mine. It is unfortunate that he is no longer among us today. I have travelled to many countries across the world with him. He was the editor of Punjab Kesari, while at the time I was the editor of a magazine. His love for the country was boundless. He was a fearless and excellent orator. His entire family is an example of fearlessness. His family has made sacrifices for the nation. There is perhaps no other such example in the country."
Minna Was a Man With a Big Heart- LG Taranjit Singh
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "Ashwini Chopra (Minna) was like a brother to me. Our families have shared a close bond for the last four generations. Minna was a man with a very big heart. His affection and love for Delhi and Haryana were well known to everyone." On the occasion, Ashwini Chopra's wife Kiran Chopra expressed her gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor and CM Rekha Gupta. She said, "Today is a proud day for us. The government has honoured a fearless journalist. The love that Ashwini ji had for the country has been recognised today. This will inspire all those journalists in the country who wish to practise fearless journalism."
Who Was Ashwini Kumar Chopra
Ashwini Kumar Chopra was a senior journalist and former MP, also known by the name Minna. He was born on 11 June 1956 in Jalandhar, Punjab. He completed his graduation from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, and a Master's in Journalism from Panjab University. After this, he also pursued a journalism course at the University of California, Berkeley, in the United States. He was a Ranji Trophy-level cricketer as well. Professionally, he was associated with the Hind Samachar Group and served as the Chief Editor and Resident Editor of the daily Punjab Kesari (Delhi edition). He was renowned as an outspoken and courageous journalist. In 2014, he was elected as an MP from the Karnal Lok Sabha seat in Haryana on a BJP ticket. On 18 January 2020, at the age of 63, he passed away at a hospital in Gurugram after a long battle with lung cancer. He was a leading face of the Punjab Kesari Group and is remembered for his powerful writing in Delhi's world of journalism.
