National Press Day was observed at Mangaldai town on November 16 with day long programme.“With the changing face of media, the role of a journalist becomes more crucial and demands more ethical obligation towards the society and as well as self regulation while disseminating news,” stressed noted writer and Journalist of Arunachal Pradesh ‘Padmashri’ Mamang Dai while delivering the keynote address in the State Level observation of National Press Day held today at District Library Auditorium at Mangaldai in Darrang district.While speaking on this year’s theme “Role of Media towards serving public interest” ‘Padmashri’ Mamang Dai presented an overview of the latest trends in today’s media and called upon the media persons to more factual, objective and accountable towards society and people. “News and facts should be disseminated with utmost accuracy. Biasness and petty self-interests should completely be avoided as people’s intelligence should never be underestimated,” reiterated Padmashri Dai. She also added that the ever increasing and unhealthy trend of presenting news with colouring of views and analysis creates confusion amongst the readers and spectators , and the journalist fraternity should do away with these kinds of trends.
Delivering the inaugural address in the function to mark the foundation day of Press Council of India, Assam Minister of State (Independent) for Information and Public Relations stated that the practice of disseminating news has been in vogue from the ages of Mahabharata. “Today’s media scenario has become more challenging and hence requires utmost caution and self regulation. The duty and responsibility towards society and people should be given priority by media. Media plays vital role in building a healthy and prosperous nation,” he added.
The programme was also addressed by Secretary of Information and Public Relations Department Dr. Anupam Roy, Deputy Commissioner of Darrang Sohrab Ali and media Person Hemanta Kumar Baruah. Earlier, Director of Information and Public Relations, Assam Ranjit Gogoi delivered the welcome address while District Information & Public Relation Officer Pranjit Hazarika offered the vote of thanks in the function anchored by senior media person Bhargab Kumar Das.
Later, Minister Basanta Das and ‘Padmashri’ Mamang Dai released the reprint version of six issues of Jagriti -the first monthly magazine published from Darrang district published way back in 1949 jointly edited by Gobinda Ram Deka and his sister Lakheswari Hazarika. The reprint version has been published by ‘Mangaldai Unnayan Parishad’ – premier non government voluntary organization of the district.
It may be noted that the State Level programme of National Press Day was organized jointly by the Department of Public Relations, Assam, Krishna Kanta Handiqui State Open University and Darrang District Administration in association with Mangaldai Media Circle.
The programme was followed by a cultural evening dedicated in memory of eminent freedom fighter Pani Ram Das- the first journalist of undivided Darrang.
