ITANAGAR, Nov 15: Governor Brig. (Dr.) B. D. Mishra (Retd.) and Chief Minister Pema Khandu appreciated the state media fraternity on the occasion of National Press Day which falls on November 16 every year.
The Press Council of India (PCI), a statutory body responsible for governing the conduct of the print media and ensuring freedom of speech, was established on July 4, 1966 by Parliament and officially started working on November 16 of the same year. Since then the day was proclaimed as National Press Day.
The Governor expressed hope that the occasion will inspire the fraternity to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and constructive journalism.
Media is the nerve of society. It plays a vital role in dissemination of information to the masses based on facts and truth. Committed to its social responsibility towards the people and our nation and being proactive partners in developmental programmes, the media must motivate people to work towards a just and corruption free society and promote development of the nation. Media must have bias less approach and showcase the social causes, national interest and human issues, he said.
Appreciating the media fraternity of the State, the Governor said that media in Arunachal Pradesh has shown its commitment to truth, pursuits of democracy, fairness and objectivity. It has ensured that the happenings in  society are correctly reflected and important issues involving the youth, women and the weaker sections are provided the much needed attention. It’s proactive role in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and fight against COVID-19 pandemic have been commendable, he said.
Free press is the fourth pillar of a vibrant democracy and ipso facto it owes to the nation to be the “vigilant voice to the voiceless”, the Governor said in his message.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu acknowledged the hardship and risks involved in conduct of the profession world over, especially in a remote state like Arunachal Pradesh. He hailed the state media fraternity for going about their duty professionally without fear or favour.
“Compared to other states, our media fraternity is still evolving. I can proudly say that despite financial and other pressures, media of the state – both print and electronic – have been relentlessly working to inform and inspire the people. This is an opportune moment for me to thank them on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh,” he said in a message ahead of NPD.
He said as a free press is an integral part of a healthy democracy, the state government is committed for the safety, security and prosperity of media persons and media houses of the state.
The Chief Minister lauded the state-based media houses for its role played during the pandemic. He noted that despite closing offices and press during the lockdowns, the journalists of the state did not shy away from their duties. The information on COVID 19 offered to the people by the press is praiseworthy and immensely helped the government in combating the spread of the virus as well as misinformation, he observed.

“I congratulate our press fraternity for celebrating NPD in these COVID times, with all precautions in place, with the theme ‘Words, Visuals and its Impact on Journalistic Content’. I have full confidence that with imminent speakers and participation of veteran, the young and upcoming brigade of journalists would learn and master the art of putting the right words and visuals in compiling a story so that it benefits all and hurts none,” Khandu said.
The Chief Minister, meanwhile, paid rich tributes to veteran journalist Taro Chatung, who passed away a year ago. He also remembered the contributions of all former and veteran journalists of the state, including Late V Ravindran, who nurtured and helped grow journalism in Arunachal Pradesh during its formative years. 
State Legislative Assembly Speaker, Pasang D Sona has extended heartiest greetings to the press fraternity of the state on the occasion of National Press Day.
I convey my warm greetings and good wishes to all the members of the media fraternity of the State. “I believe that the occasion will motivate them to be more responsive, more responsible and proactive in their services,” the Speaker stated in his message.
While appreciating the media persons for actively involved in fighting against global pandemic Coronavirus at par with the frontline workers while putting their own lives at risk, the Speaker exuded hope that they will continue with their excellent tradition of   constructive journalism, displaying highest standards of professionalism in their duties.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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