Tribute to COVID-19 warriors (Journalists), writes Anjishnu Bhattacharjee

May 02: Desperate times call for desperate measures and we are going through one such time. Corona virus which emerged in Wuhan, China during the fall of 2019 is leaving no stone unturned to leave its impression across geography. Effects to contain its proliferation is in progress but given the uncertainties around the transmission of the virus the effectiveness of these efforts may turn out inconsequential.

This ongoing pandemic has disrupted the businesses across globes, has forced everyone to take utmost care of hygiene. Amidst the crisis and widespread concern about the decisions being made to keep all safe, the citizens are relying on pens of journalist to question those in power. Media is the 4th pillar of democracy and if there was a time for media to act as the 4th pillar of democracy, corona virus pandemic is the time.

Our fellow journalist brothers and sisters of Barak Valley are risking their lives to keep us informed and is bridging the communication gap between government and citizens. Everyday, they are witnessing various human experiences which has potential impact on social, psychological, biological and spiritual set up, but they are standing firmly on the ground to report us every such stories. They are working in an environment of stress with high personal risk from an unseen lethal enemy.

Every time before going out they prepare themselves for the terrible circumstances they may land up in, they prepare themselves for the rapidly changing protocols, they prepare themselves to see sadness all around, it is a whole new level of showing commitment. I want to thank each one of them on behalf of citizens of our Barak Valley who are out there in the field working for all of us so that we know how to be safe. You all are putting long hours to report, I hope you guys are able to strike a balance and get some rest as we all know you are all part of a risky marathon. Thanks to every journalist of Barak Valley and our nation for striving for our well-being!

Anjishnu Bhattacharjee is an alumni of NIT, Silchar