HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Nov 16: The department of information and public relations, BTC, in association with the Bodoland Journalists Association, observed National Press Day at the Kokrajhar Planetarium on Saturday with a series of activities and discussions.
The event commenced with a tribute to martyrs (Shahid Tarpan) and a tree plantation drive, symbolising respect for sacrifices and a commitment to environmental conservation, followed by a representative meeting of journalists.
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After this, the council head of information and public relations department of BTC and regional officer, Zahid Ahmed Tapadar, delivered the welcome address. Messages of goodwill from BTC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Pramod Boro, Executive Member (EM) of information and public relations department, Dr Nilut Swargiary, and BTC principal secretary Akashdeep, who are attending the Bodoland Mahotsav in New Delhi, were read out to the audience, setting a positive tone for the day’s proceedings.
The inaugural address was delivered by vice chancellor of the Bodoland University and chief guest of the event, Prof B L Ahuja, who underscored the vital role journalists play in maintaining peace and order in the BTR.
He highlighted the challenges faced by the media, such as time pressures, inadequate remuneration, the implications of Artificial Intelligence, and the need to prioritise positive news narratives.
Dr Zakir Hussain, chairman of NEF group of institutions and editor of Dainik Gana Adhikar, graced the event as Guest of Honour, stressing that democracy’s survival is tied to the freedom of journalists, often described as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Some of the other guests including Colonel Arun Prakash Agarwal reflected on the environment of the 1990s, emphasising the media’s crucial role in the fight for freedom and safeguarding the homeland. Adding to the discussion, Rakesh Sharma, editor of Viksit Bharat Samachar, provided an insightful historical perspective on the significance of National Press Day, tracing its roots and evolution over the years.
In a keynote address on the theme “Changing Nature of Press,” Mrinal Talukdar, consulting editor of Pratidin Time, reflected on the evolution of journalism. He noted that while the press was once regarded as a beacon of truth and a catalyst for social change, its role and perception have shifted significantly over time. He also observed that true impartiality in journalism is a challenging ideal, given the complexities of modern media dynamics.
With rest of the nation the 58th National Press Day to commemorate the inception of the Press Council of India (PCI), which came into effect on the same date in 1966, was also celebrated across Karbi Anglong by different press associations and clubs at separate venues today.
Diphu town saw the celebration by different press clubs and associations at respective venues by arranging special programmes dedicated to media persons. Among them is the District Press Club of Karbi Anglong (DPCKA), which organised daylong celebration at Rangsina Bhawan, Lorulangso, here, with the theme, ‘Changing nature of press.’ The DPCKA has collaborated with the District Information & Public Relation Officer (DIPRO) to celebrate the day.
The celebration started with the unfurling of the DPCKA flag by president Diganta Teron and homage to the departed media persons was led by the working president, Danielson Bey, where all attended media persons followed in offering prayers.
In the afternoon a meeting was organised to talk on the theme of the celebration, where SP of Karbi Anglong, Sanjib Kumar Saikia in his speech brought out about the importance of print media in today’s digital era.
SP said, “I don’t want to say that digital media has no importance. Both digital and print media has the same importance in different aspects. Comparing both, in print media the news published in the newspapers become a record which can be stored for long as documentation. Detailed information are relayed in newspapers so in this fast digital era, print media cannot be ignored.”
Speaking on the theme, the senior journalist Pobitra Borah emphasised that digital media platforms like news portals, facebook page, instagram, whatsapp etc., have come up, but being a journalist one should perform duty truthfully.
DPCKA advisers Longsing Teron and Sonju Bora also spoke on the occasion. The meeting was chaired by president, Diganta Teron and vote of thanks was delivered by DPCKA general secretary, Dibojyoti Bora.
Likewise, Karbi Anglong Digital News Forum (KADNF) also celebrated the day at Longso Kangthu tourist guest house. During the celebration the general secretary of KADNF, Nathan Ronghang elaborated the dos and don’ts of a journalist.
He said due to the advancement of digital media, many portal news channels cross journalism ethnics with the sole motive of gaining more subscribers and viewers. As a journalist one should follow media ethics while reporting.
On the other hand Diphu Press Club (DPC) and Digital Media Union of Karbi Anglong (DMUKA) have jointly celebrated the National Press Day at Rangsina Sarpo Auditorium, here at Lorulangso with a daylong programme. DPC president and editor of Solangdo Assamese daily, Borsing Rongphar; journalist Joysing Tokbi and several others were in attendance.
National Press Day was commemorated with great enthusiasm in Cachar, highlighting the theme “Changing Nature of The Press”.
The event, organised by the Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar under the aegis of the district administration Cachar at the new conference hall of DC’S on Saturday, brought together luminaries from the media and academic spheres.
As a chief guest on the occasion, district commissioner, Cachar, Mridul Yadav, emphasised the vital role of the press in upholding democratic values.
He stated, “A free and responsible press is the backbone of democracy. In an age of rapid technological advancements, the press must adapt while maintaining its integrity and commitment to the truth”.
Earlier, in her welcome address, Bonnykha Chetia, assistant commissioner and in-charge deputy director of Information & Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone.
Emphasising the significance of the day, she said, “National Press Day is a tribute to the media’s role in empowering society and fostering democracy. It also serves as a reminder of the pressing challenges journalists face in a rapidly transforming media landscape.”
The highlight of the occasion was a thought-provoking address by Dr Alfarid Hussain, associate professor in the department of mass communication, Assam University.
As the guest speaker, Dr Hussain provided a comprehensive analysis of the transformations within the press.
He elaborated on the impact of digital advancements, stating, “The realm of journalism has undergone a profound transformation driven by technology and shifting societal expectations. While digital platforms have democratised information, they have also given rise to misinformation and fake news. The challenge lies in maintaining credibility amidst this deluge of information.”
He also emphasised on the decline of traditional print media, the rise of clickbait culture, and its detrimental effect on investigative journalism. Touching on the role of algorithms and echo chambers, he cautioned about their influence on public opinion and stressed the need for ethical reporting in an era driven by speed and sensationalism.
Dr Hussain’s call to action was clear: “Journalists must embrace the digital transformation while remaining steadfast in their commitment to truth. The press must evolve as a watchdog to ensure democracy thrives amidst these challenges.”
The event concluded with a lively interactive session, providing a platform for attendees to share perspectives on the future of journalism. Journalists were honored for their contributions with tokens of appreciation presented by DC Yadav, who reiterated the media’s pivotal role in shaping an informed and democratic society.
National Press Day 2024 in Cachar not only celebrated the press’s achievements but also served as a clarion call for the media to navigate the digital era with resilience, responsibility, and integrity.
This is stated in a press release issued from Regional office of Information & Public Relations Barak valley Zone Silchar Assam.
Our Dongkamukam correspondent adds: Along with the rest of the country 58th National Press Day 2024 was observed on Saturday.
It was organised by West Karbi Anglong District Press Club (WKADPC) in collaboration with District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO) Hamren, Govt of Assam, at forest inspection bunglow, Dongkamukam.
This year theme was ‘Changing Nature of Press’.
The program was attended by Ramsing Ronghang Ex EM KAAC as chief guest who in his speech said about present changing world at very fast track with advancement of tools.
‘Livestream is the latest example’ he mentioned.
“Though changing fast but one has to be very alert in publishing or releasing the news”, he said.
“Every individual has smart phones today therefore we get trolled for good as well for bad news”, he further added.
“All development in our society like educational development, cultural development, literally, particular area, sports development etc is directly related with that of journalism task”, Ronghang further said.
He finally asked the journalists present on Saturday to focus mainly on true and correct news
Few of the senior journalist/ retired journalist of West Karbi Anglong Hundor Kro, Omega Momin, Apurbo Kr Nath, Mukibur Rehman, Tonkeshwar Konwar etc were felicitated.
Earlier, the day began with unfurling of the clubs flag followed by homage to the departed soul.
Program was also attended by principal Jr Rangsina College Dr Troloikya Deka, Aren Engti, Biren Enghee reporter, and almost all journalist of West Karbi Anglong.
The meeting was presided over by President WKADPC Joysing Terang.
Our Nagaon correspondent adds: Along with the entire country, Nagaon district administration with Nagaon Press Club on Saturday celebrated National Press Day with a day-long at Nagaon Press Club auditorium here.
The event was organised by the District Information and Public Relations Office and Nagaon Press Club at the Dr Abu Hanifa Conference Hall of Nagaon Press Club.
The programme began with the state anthem of Assam, followed by a welcome speech by Nagaon Press Club Secretary Nilutpal Bora. The event was presided over by Nagaon Press Club president Jiten Borkakoti.
Former journalist and volunteer retired information department official Gurmail Singh attended the event as the chief guest.
While addressing the occasion, Singh spoke on the topic “Changing face of media.” Singh emphasised the importance of artificial intelligence in modern journalism and cautioned journalists against compromising their integrity to serve business interests.
Superintendent of police, Swapnaneel Deka, greeted the journalists and stressed the importance of carrying identity cards while collecting news for security reasons.
Noted Assamese storyteller Sibanananda Kakati also shared his thoughts on the changing media landscape.
Press Club advisor – Konak Hazarika, and other dignitaries of Nagaon Press Club attended the event.
The programme concluded with the national anthem, an official press note added here.
Our Tezpur correspondent adds: The National Press Day 2024 was observed on Saturday in Sonitpur under the initiative of the district administration and the office of the district information and public relations officer.
A program commemorating “National Press Day” was held in the conference hall of the district commissioner’s office, where Dr Bhubaneswar Saharia, president of the local Tarun Asom Sangha, former Controller of Examinations at Tezpur Central University, and former Professor at Darrang College, was present as the keynote speaker. He delivered a speech on this year’s theme for National Press Day, “Changing Nature of Press”.
The event commenced with the rendition of the state anthem. Following this, a minute of silence was observed in remembrance of the late senior journalist of the district Kusmakhar Upadhyaya, who passed away earlier this year on January 24, as well as other known and unknown departed journalists.
Chief executive officer of Sonitpur Zila Parishad, Karabi Saikia Karan, delivered the welcoming address, enumerating the significance of National Press Day and extending her best wishes to all journalists in the district on this special occasion.
Local correspondents Sanjiv Hazarika and Raj Kumar Mahanta also presented their views on the changing dynamics of media in the present times in the programme. Several journalists from Sonitpur district, along with the district information and public relations officer Ankita Gogoi and other departmental staff, were present at the event.
Our Morigaon correspondent adds: The National Press Day was celebrated by Morigaon district administration in cooperation with Morigaon District Journalists Association on Saturday.
The programme was inaugurated by former secretary of Morigaon District Journalists Association, senior reporter Ajit Sharma by lighting a lantern in the morning.
The National Press Day was marked with a theme name “The Changing Face of the Media”. The opening ceremony was presided over by Morigaon District Journalists Association president Birinchi Kumar Sharma.
Senior reporter Bubumani Goswami explained the significance of National Press Day. He gave a factual account of the exploitation of journalists by the employers, the persecution of the ruling and opposition parties and various problems of journalists.
The meeting was attended by former president of Morigaon District Journalists Association, senior reporter Pratap Hazarika as the chief guest.
The meeting was attended by Morigaon superintendent of police Hemant Kumar Das who said that exaggerated news or news puts everyone in danger and an exaggerated news often boomerangs especially the police and the public.
The meeting also felicitated two senior reporters of the district – Lakhyajyoti Nath of Morigaon and Nazrul Islam of Mayang with a sharai, gamocha and certificates each respectively. The meeting was opened by a beautiful Bargeet performed by emerging artist Moumin Deka.
Our Margherita correspondent adds: On the occasion of National Press Day on Saturday a seminar titled “The Role of Journalism in Upholding Democracy in the Digital Age” was held in the conference hall in the office of the co-district commissioner, Margherita.
The event was organised to highlight the critical role of journalism in safeguarding democratic values, particularly in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
The seminar featured prominent speakers from the media industry who shared their insights on the challenges and opportunities journalism faces in the digital era.
They discussed how digital platforms are reshaping the way news is produced, consumed, and shared, while also emphasising the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and ethics in the face of misinformation and online challenges.
In a special ceremony during the event, several senior journalists were felicitated for their outstanding contributions to the field of journalism.
These individuals were recognised for their dedication to truth, transparency, and ethical reporting, which have helped build and sustain trust between the media and the public.
In his address Parikshit Thoudam(IAS), co-district commissioner Margherita who was present as the chief guest of the event emphasised the ongoing transformation in journalism, underscoring that despite the digital revolution, the core values of accuracy, fairness and accountability must remain central to journalistic practices.
The event concluded with a call for continued collaboration between journalists, policymakers, and citizens to ensure that the press remains a strong pillar in maintaining the democratic fabric of the nation.
Tinsukia District Journalists Association (TDJA) celebrated National Press Day at the conference hall of Doomdooma College in collaboration with Doomdooma Press Club (DPC) and Doomdooma College.
The day’s programme began with the hoisting of Tinsukia District Journalists Association(TDJA) flag by its president Dr Rishi Das while TDJA vice-president Ratul Kalita initiated the Smriti Tarpan programme.
Doomdooma Press Club president Manoj Dutta inaugurated the plantation drive at the Botanical Garden of Doomdooma College by planting saplings.
Former TDJA president Anuj Kalita, former vice-president Santanu Goswami, TDJA general secretary Ranajyoti Neog, treasurer Dinesh Goyal, president of Margherita Journalists Association Ram Prasad Ambedkar also planted saplings.
Later a meeting was held with Tinsukia district Journalists Association president Dr Rishi Das in the chair.
Delivering the welcome address TDJA general secretary Ranajyoti Neog explained the significance of the National Press Day.
The meeting was inaugurated by the principal of Doomdooma College Dr Kamaleswar Kalita and he spoke on the changing nature of press and he termed journalism as a service than a profession.
Bituraj Gohain, an assistant professor of the education department of Padma Nath, Gohain Baruah Government Model College, Kakopothar delivered the keynote address on the topic ‘The responsibilities of the media and journalists in the present day’.
Explaining the evolution of journalism from the beginning till today, he dwelt at length of the topic. He also elaborated the role of journalism for greater interest of the society and also for healthy democracy.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks offered by the Pradeep Kumar Moran general secretary of Doomdooma Press Club.
