HT Correspondent
KOKRAJHAR, Jan 31: The information and public relations department of the Government of Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) hosted Confluence 2025: The Media Conclave of Sixth Schedule Councils at the Kokrajhar Planetarium Auditorium on Thursday.
This historic event brought together media professionals from the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), Dima Hasao, and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, marking the first-ever media conclave to unite journalists from the three Sixth Schedule Councils in the state of Assam.
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The event was inaugurated by Pijush Hazarika, minister for information and public relations, printing & stationery.
In his address, he highlighted the crucial role of media in strengthening democracy and discussed the challenges currently faced by the industry, including the decline in circulation of print media and television TRP ratings. He also expressed concerns about the changing landscape of news coverage, particularly with the rise of digital platforms.
The day began with a meeting between journalists from BTR, Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC), and North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCAC), where issues like salaries of journalists, insurance, social media, and transportation were discussed.
BTC principal secretary Akashdeep welcomed the attendees, while a written message from Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sharma underscored the importance of media in democratic governance.
The executive member of BTR, Nilut Swargiary urged the journalists to focus on developmental reporting to bring attention to the challenges and opportunities in BTR.
Three key sessions followed, focusing on media ethics, government-media relations, and responsible reporting. Prasanta Rajguru, editor-in-chief of Prag News, spoke on balancing freedom and responsibility in the age of development journalism.
Ravi Shankar Ravi, editor of Dainik Purvoday, discussed strengthening media-government relations for more transparent communication. Chandan Kumar Goswami, head of communication and journalism at Gauhati University, addressed the importance of adhering to media laws and guidelines for responsible reporting.
“ Confluence 2025” – the Media Conclave of Sixth Schedule Councils – was organised yesterday at the Kokrajhar Planetarium, bringing together policymakers, media professionals, and academicians to deliberate on media ethics, strengthen media-government relations, and enhance understanding of laws governing ethical and responsible journalism. The BTR Government extends its gratitude to all esteemed guests and members of the press & media fraternity for their valuable participation in fostering meaningful discussions on ethical journalism and responsible media practices”, Pramod Boro,the CEM of Bodoland Territorial Region said.
The conclave was attended by over 200 journalists and dignitaries, including minister Pijush Hazarika; MLA Jiron Basumatary; BTR executive members, Nilut Swargiary, Arup Kumar Dey and Ukil Mushahary; BTC joint secretary, IPRD, Jyotirmay Daimari; and BTC CHD, IPRD, Zahid Ahmed Tapadar.
