National Press Day observed in Hailakandi district

Nov.16: The National Press Day was observed in a befitting manner maintaining all COVID-19 protocols here on Monday.

Speaking as a chief guest at a function held at the Office of DIPRO, Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi, Megh Nidhi Dahal said the National Press Day being observed by the Press Council of India is an occasion for both celebration and introspection as to ‘what we have done and what we can do”.

The Deputy Commissioner said the press has been playing a crucial role since the days of the freedom movement when it brought to the masses the message of the underground movement leaders and created a revolutionary zeal and patriotic fervour down to the COVID-19 pandemic situation despite several challenges confronted by it.

Advocating for a free and independent press without any threat or under any influence, Dahal said the greatest weapon or a shield the press has in its arsenal is its credibility. ‘Objectivity, free and fair and unbiased reporting determine the credibility of a newspaper or a news channel and that has to be maintained in a vibrant democracy like ours,” said Dahal, adding that in the long run credibility counts rather than TRP rating and lopsided reporting.

The Deputy Commissioner while saluting the media persons for reporting from ground zero on COVID-19 pandemic putting their lives at peril with some even succumbing to the disease, assured that the administration would do everything possible to safeguard the media for free and independent reporting.

Editor of Nababarta Prasanga, Habibur Rahman Choudhury, in his keynote address, said the press has played a pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic situation by disseminating information by putting their lives and their families in danger and that some even lost their lives on the line of duty. “Whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, flood or natural calamities, the media has all along been playing a pivotal role,” he quipped.

Narrating the ordeal faced by the print media during the COVID-19 pandemic following slump in advertisement, Rahman called upon the government to extend patronage to the newspapers by way of advertisements. Addressing the media persons as one of the speakers, former Administrative Officer with Central Government, Sandipan Dhar said the media played a great role in keeping the people abreast of all developments on the COVID front. He saluted them for their exemplary and dedicated services during the COVID pandemic and urged the administration to extend all possible help to them especially those who succumbed to the disease and those who were afflicted, including family members.

Another appointed speaker, Prof.Sudip Choudhury from Assam University said the media persons have played a commendable role during the COVID outbreak. He made a plea to the administration to provide all possible help and assistance to the media persons to overcome the challenges posed by the disease. Addressing the media persons, DIPRO, Sabir Nishat said the media’s coverage of the pandemic health crisis carries an important responsibility to offer balanced messaging about COVID-19 and public behaviour. “Trustworthy news is vital in particular when conveying personal risk and government mandated guidelines. After all, how the media portray health crises is an important influence not only on public behaviour but also on the long term repercussions for health,” he added.

Earlier, in his address, President of Hailakandi Press Club, Noimul Islam Choudhury narrated the trauma that he and his family had to undergo after being affected by the disease. He urged the government to provide Rs.50 lakh each to the kith of the journalist who died due to COVID-19 as announced earlier and extend financial assistance to the journalists and their families who were affected by the disease.

The vote of thanks was offered by Secretary of Hailakandi Press Club, Rahul Chakraborty. Deputy Commissioner, Dahal and other dignitaries felicitated three Corona warriors from the local media who were afflicted with the disease. A standing ovation was also given to them for their exemplary services.

Later, Deputy Commissioner, Dahal interacted with the media persons and assured them that their problems and concerns would be looked into with due consideration. The function was jointly organised by the district administration and DIPRO in association with the Hailakandi Press Club. Lala Press Club also organised the National Press Day with several dignitaries taking part followed by plantation drive and distribution of masks. It may be mentioned that this year’s theme of the National Press Day is ‘Role of media during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on media’.