HT Bureau
DIPHU, Nov 16: The District Press Club of Karbi Anglong in collaboration with the District Information and Public Relations Office, observed National Press Day with a day-long programme at Recreation Park on Sunday.
The event began with the hoisting of the Club’s flag by working president Danielson Bey and District Information and Public Relations Officer Utpal Dimasa, followed by a cake-cutting ceremony. A large number of working journalists from both electronic and print media attended the programme, along with the Club’s general secretary, Dibyajyoti Bora.
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Addressing the gathering, DIPRO Utpal Dimasa spoke on this year’s theme, “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation,” stressing the importance of responsible journalism and verified reporting in the digital age.
Our Dongkamukam Correspondent adds: West Karbi Anglong District Press Club (WKADPC), in collaboration with the District Information and Public Relations Office (DIPRO), Hamren observed the 59th National Press Day on Sunday at Kheroni, Agriculture IB, West Karbi Anglong. The theme of this year’s celebration was “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.”
The programme began with the unfurling of the WKADPC flag by president Joysing Terang. WKADPC general secretary Alok Borbora led a tribute to Assam’s heartthrob Zubeen Garg and journalists Lawrence Tisso, Bidhyaing Senar and Si-im Hanse.
Chief Guest Rensing Bey, a noted social worker, urged journalists to uphold high standards and focus on positive news to strengthen the credibility of the profession. He highlighted how the district, despite entering the news arena relatively late has made significant progress over the past two decades.
Deputy Director DIPRO (Hills), Gagan Narzary, advised media personnel against sharing unverified messages on social media, cautioning that it can negatively impact society and stressed the importance of credibility in journalism.
The event saw the presence of senior reporters Srabon Kr Engti, advocate Santanu Rongpi, Western College Principal Hem Chandra Timung, centenarian Sarbura Rongpi, writer Rudrewar Bokoliyal and numerous working journalists from the district. Senior journalists Jason Enghee and Lokhi Prasad Nath were felicitated for their contributions to the profession.
Our Margherita Correspondent adds: The National Press Day 2025 was observed on Sunday at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Co-District Commissioner, Margherita in a programme jointly organised by the Co-District Commissioner’s Office and the Sub-Divisional Information and Public Relations Office. The event began with a brief introduction by presenter Javed Ali, setting the stage for theme-based discussions.
Co-District Commissioner Rahul Doley, in his welcome address, said that in an age where information spreads faster than verification, responsible reporting and timely correction of errors are essential for maintaining press credibility. Speaking on the theme “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation,” he lauded the media fraternity of the Co-District for their role in upholding truth amid growing digital misinformation.
Senior journalist Manash Pratim Gogoi paid tribute to departed media persons of Margherita, noting that their principled work remains the moral foundation of today’s journalism. He said credibility is built over years through consistent and ethical reporting.
Margherita Journalist Association president Ramprasad Ambedkar highlighted the rise of rumours during uncertain times, citing the lack of clarity around the downturn in NEC CIL’s coal industry, which has affected employees and locals. He proposed forming consultative forums for transparent communication and responsible planning. Responding to this, Doley said the administration is reviewing the issue and subject to clearances, opencast mining may resume with environmental safeguards—an example of how transparent information flow prevents speculation.
Senior journalist Samiron Borthakur drew attention to civic issues, noting that gaps in essential services—such as potable water—often create space for misinformation. Doley responded that scientific assessments are underway to identify sustainable solutions suited to the region’s terrain.
Adding to the discussion, senior journalist Sonaram Kalita spoke about the pressures of instant publishing and the accelerating pace of misinformation. He said real-time verification, editorial discipline and resisting sensationalism are key to preserving the dignity of the profession.
Margherita Co-District Public Relations Officer Gurmeet Kaur Suri thanked participants and noted that in an era of instant updates and social-media-driven news cycles, commitment to accuracy is more critical than ever.
Our Morigaon Correspondent adds: The 59th National Press Day was celebrated today at Pabitora Hut, organised by the Morigaon District Administration in collaboration with the Morigaon District Journalist Association (MDJA). News Live channel’s Chief Executive Editor Chaya Moni Bhuyan attended the event as the keynote speaker.
Speaking on the theme “Ensure Safety in Trustworthiness of Journalism Amidst Obfuscation Information,” Bhuyan urged journalists to maintain steadfastness, devotion and sincerity to excel in the profession. She encouraged young journalists not to harbour any inferiority complex while pursuing their goals. Reflecting on her own journey, she said she had never imagined becoming a journalist, but the support she received from her joint family encouraged her to take bold steps. She recalled her memorable experience of travelling to the United States in 2001 with other journalists to cover the World Trade Center attack.
Morigaon Deputy Commissioner Anamika Tewari delivered the welcome address, acknowledging the role of journalists in strengthening democratic values. A felicitation programme was also held under the initiative of MDJA president Ajit Sarma.
The event was attended by DDC Arpa Buglary, SSP Prakash Sonowal, ADCs, MDJA secretary Guljarilal Sarma, COs and senior journalists of the district.
Our Hojai Correspondent adds: The Hojai District Administration marked National Press Day with a vibrant programme at the district headquarters in Srimanta Sankardev Nagar on Sunday, beginning with the felicitation of local reporters for their contributions to public service journalism.
District Commissioner Bidyut Bikash Bhagwati, in his address, traced the roots of journalism in Assam and highlighted its enduring social significance. Calling journalists the “torchbearers of society,” he said journalism is a powerful tool that must be used for the community’s welfare. He urged reporters to embrace lifelong learning and uphold transparency, honesty and fearlessness as the foundation of positive journalism.
Maruf Alam, IIS, Assistant Director and News Editor at DD News, served as the resource person and spoke on “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.” He discussed the challenges created by the digital information surge, emphasising fact-checking, critical analysis and a clear understanding of misinformation, disinformation and fake news. He also offered practical verification techniques to maintain accuracy and credibility.
Veteran journalist Tosheswar Tamuli Phukan shared insights from his long career in print media, stressing courage, impartiality, confidence and transparency as defining traits of a good reporter. He advised journalists to cover all angles of a story and remain firmly committed to the truth.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Assistant Commissioner Rubu Bora. Additional Deputy Commissioners Bonny Shadab, Rakishree Lakaru and Aradhana Das (DIPRO i/c) were also present, reflecting the administration’s commitment to supporting a free and responsible press.
Our Nagaon Correspondent adds: The National Press Day was celebrated at the Nagaon Press Club, organised jointly by the District Administration, Information & Public Relations Department and the Nagaon Press Club.
MLA Rupak Sarma highlighted the challenges faced by the media in the digital era, noting that social media has posed new obstacles for traditional journalism. He urged journalists to adhere to responsible reporting. MLA Dipluranjan Sarma emphasised the need to safeguard press freedom while maintaining journalistic integrity.
The event featured a discussion on the theme “Protecting Journalism’s Credibility in the Era of Misinformation.” Keynote speaker Professor Arindam Borkataky stressed the importance of fact-checking and unbiased reporting to preserve public trust.
District Commissioner Debashish Sarma and Superintendent of Police Swapnanil Deka also spoke, underscoring the vital role of the press in a democratic society.
Interestingly, a separate National Press Day event was organised by the District Administration and the District Information and Public Relations Department in association with the Nagaon Electronic Media Association at Nagaon Zila Sahitya Sabha Bhavan (Kamladevi Todi Bhavan), which drew mixed reactions among the town’s residents.
Our Tezpur Correspondent adds: The Sonitpur District Administration observed National Press Day 2025 on Sunday, under the initiative of the District Administration and the Office of the District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO), Sonitpur.
The programme, chaired by District Commissioner Ananda Kumar Das, was held in the conference hall of the District Commissioner’s Office. Dr Abhijit Bora, Professor and Head of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Tezpur University, attended as the keynote speaker and spoke on this year’s theme, “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.”
The event began with the rendition of the State Anthem, followed by a welcome address by DC Das, who highlighted the significance of National Press Day and extended his best wishes to all journalists and media personnel in the district.
During the event, the administration felicitated all journalists present with a fulam gamusa. In addition, 56 DIPR-recognised journalists and two retired journalist pensioners were presented with appreciation citations. Senior journalist Arnab Kumar Nath shared his insights on the evolution of media, challenges posed by digital journalism and the importance of upholding credibility in the era of social media.
The programme was attended by journalists from across Sonitpur district, Co-District Commissioner of Barchalla Kamal Baruah, DIPRO Ankita Gogoi and other departmental officials and staff.
Our Kokrajhar Correspondent adds: National Press Day was observed in Kokrajhar on Sunday under the theme “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.” The BTC-level programme was jointly organised by the Information & Public Relations Department, BTC, Bodoland Journalists Association (BJA) and Kokrajhar Press Club (KPC) at the Planetarium Auditorium.
BTC EM Derhasat Basumatary emphasised the importance of impartial and authentic reporting, while Musuka Boro, GM of Bongaigaon Refinery, highlighted journalists as a vital bridge between the public, government and corporate sectors. Ramanaj Dutta Choudhury, Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune, urged reporters to avoid misleading news and acknowledged BTC’s efforts in regional development.
The event featured flag hoisting by BJA presidents of Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Tamulpur and Udalguri districts. Ankur Lahoti, IIS, Joint Director, RNU, Doordarshan and BTC officials attended. Five senior journalists—Jaiklong Brahma, Mustafa Hussain Ansari, Sunil Kr Sharma, Prasad Das and Niren Kr Sharma—along with two newspaper hawkers, were felicitated.
Separately, Kokrajhar Press Club in collaboration with NTPC Bongaigaon, observed the day with flag hoisting and discussions on the significance of responsible journalism.
Our Jorhat Correspondent adds: National Press Day was observed at Jorhat Press Club and Jorhat Circuit House with programmes highlighting the challenges faced by journalists.
At the Press Club, president Ananta Narayan Borthakur presided over the event. Dr Devabrata Sharma spoke on the changing landscape of journalism with the rise of social media and government-influenced media, while columnist Dwipen Kakati highlighted global journalist killings and stressed the need for a free, independent press. The welcome address was delivered by general secretary Ashok Kumar Baruah and the vote of thanks by Biraj Baruah. At the Circuit House, Head of Mass Communication, Assam Women’s University, Dr Suryya Chetia, discussed “Reporting in the Brave New World” and the impact of artificial intelligence on press freedom. Jorhat DDC Rajiv Roy addressed the gathering, with DIPRO Rajat Sen delivering the welcome.
