HT Correspondent
TEZPUR, Oct 1: Noted journalist and chief editor of the Assamese daily “Amar Asom”, Manoj Kumar
Goswami, spoke about the challenges faced by journalism in preserving the Assamese language during
an interaction program at Tezpur College. He emphasised that journalism, whether in print or electronic
media, is currently facing numerous difficulties and criticisms but remains dedicated to the survival of
the Assamese language.
Goswami, a renowned writer, and Sahitya Academy award winner, praised the high-quality literary
works of Assamese writers such as Dr Bhabendra Nath Saikia, Saurabh Chaliha, Nilamani Phukan, and
Nabakanta Baruah. He noted that despite their exceptional literary contributions, some Assamese
writers are still considered inferior compared to others. However, he highlighted that over 2.5 crore
people speak Assamese, and it is one of the fifty most prevalent languages, making it an enriching
linguistic heritage.
Regarding the present status of print media, Goswami mentioned that many established newspapers
worldwide have already closed down. He stressed the need for new trends and ideas in print media to
attract the modern generation. Electronic media often chases TRP ratings, and social media is influenced
by the corporate sector, making it challenging for journalism to maintain its integrity.
Goswami also discussed the delicate balance in news reporting, especially concerning sensitive topics
like crime and violence. He emphasized the importance of using appropriate language in reporting and
acknowledged the role of newspapers in aiding the administration in addressing societal issues.
Addressing the rising costs of newsprint, he explained that newspapers heavily rely on advertisements
to sustain themselves. He touched upon the ongoing debate surrounding palm oil cultivation in the
region, urging organizations to address its adverse effects.
During the interaction, Goswami encouraged the younger generation to cultivate a reading habit,
regularly peruse newspapers and books in different languages, including their native tongue.
The event, conducted by Pankaj Baruah, general secretary of Sonitpur Press Club, and noted journalist
Pulak Kumar Deka, was attended by various dignitaries, including the principal of Tezpur College, Dr Jyoti
Kamal Hazarika, Dr Swadhinata Mahanta, Puneswar Nath, Ramesh Chandra Goswami, Dr Gahan
Mahanta, and several media professionals and students from Tezpur colleges.
