Arunachal: Pasighat observes National Press Day, highlights media as voice of society
Pasighat: Along with the rest of the country, National Press Day was celebrated at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, in a programme jointly organised by the Pasighat Press Club (PPC), the Department of Mass Communication, and the IPR Department of East Siang District.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Tomo Riba, who graced the event as Chief Guest, described the media as the “mouthpiece of society.”
He emphasised that journalism is not merely about reporting events but about serving society with truth, fairness, and accountability.
Prof. Riba urged journalists to uphold sincerity and integrity in their work, reminding them that the press’s credibility rests on its moral conduct.
He noted that in an era of rapid technological change, the responsibility of the media has only grown, as citizens rely on it to make sense of complex issues and hold institutions accountable.
Sonalika Jiwani, Deputy Commissioner of East Siang, delivered a detailed address that resonated strongly with the audience.
She cautioned against the growing trend of sensationalism in reporting, stressing that credibility must come from fact-checking and sensitivity rather than chasing popularity.
Drawing from her own experiences, she highlighted the dangers of social-media-driven sensationalism, where unverified information can spread rapidly and cause harm.
She reminded journalists that their duty is to inform responsibly, not to influence for personal gain.
The Deputy Commissioner also underscored the importance of ethical reporting in sensitive cases, particularly those involving children and victims of trauma.
She urged reporters to seek consent, respect privacy, and avoid intrusive coverage that could deepen suffering.
Beyond ethics, she appealed to the Pasighat Press Club to consider welfare measures such as group insurance schemes for media persons, noting the risks associated with the profession.
“Journalism is a demanding occupation, often carried out in difficult terrains and under pressure. Collective welfare measures like insurance can provide a safety net for those who dedicate themselves to this field,” she said.
Encouraging students, Jiwani called for a broader vision in journalism. She urged them not to limit themselves to local reporting but to aspire to national and international platforms.
Citing the example of documentary filmmaker Abhinav Pandey, whose work on industrial pollution in Rajasthan led to Supreme Court intervention, she emphasised the power of dedicated reporting to bring about real change.
She encouraged young journalists in Arunachal to document the state’s complex issues, warning that without such efforts, valuable stories could be lost.
East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba, IPS, described journalists as the “first responders of democracy.”
He noted that while the police are often the first responders in emergencies, journalists play a similar role in the information space, bridging institutions and citizens.
He warned that misinformation spreads faster than verification in the age of social media, often leading to panic, violence, and reputational harm.
“A rumour can travel across districts and states in seconds. Fact-checking is not optional; it is a duty,” he said.
The SP stressed that ethics, not technology, give credibility to journalism.
He pointed out that although AI, deepfakes, and algorithm-driven content are changing the media landscape, only responsible reporting can safeguard public trust.
The SP assured that the district police would continue to maintain transparency and accessibility, strengthening cooperation with the press in crime reporting, awareness campaigns, and citizen education.
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists, who often work under pressure and without recognition, and extended respect to their tireless efforts.
Pasighat Press Club President Maksam Tayeng reaffirmed the club’s commitment to ethical journalism.
He reminded members of their responsibility to maintain high standards, particularly in sensitive cases involving women and children, and cautioned against misreporting by unverified outlets.
He stressed that PPC would strictly enforce guidelines to safeguard journalistic integrity and credibility.
Adding an academic perspective, Dr. Prem Taba, Head (i/c) of the Department of Mass Communication, reflected on the transformation of media in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
He noted that journalism has shifted from the Information Age to the Attention Age, where the role of journalists is no longer to act as gatekeepers but as sense-makers and verifiers in an ocean of information.
Prem Taba emphasised that credibility now depends on verification and clarity, and urged students to uphold the values of truth and responsibility.
He also informed that an essay competition on “The Evolving Nature of Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” was conducted by the department as part of the NPD celebrations.
In the competition, Domong Mibang (MA Mass Communication, APU) won the first prize, followed by Kangkeng Modi (MA Sociology, APU) and Otik Borang (MA Mass Communication, APU). Consolation prizes went to Omem Tayeng (M.Com, APU) and Jyoti Bacha (MA Mass Communication, APU).
The organisers also felicitated media persons for their contributions, recognising Toram Melong of Hills News as the Best Worker of the Pasighat Press Club and awarding Opak Regon of Pasighat News as the Second Best Dedicated Worker of PPC.
The PPC also appreciated the service of media houses associated with it and felicitated them on the occasion.
The day-long programme also featured a workshop on “Media Ethics, Groundwork & Problems Faced by Reporters during Field Work,” which engaged students and professionals in discussions on the challenges of contemporary journalism.
As a senior journalist, PPC President Maksam Tayeng also briefed mass communication students and media persons on media ethics.
Earlier, the programme began with floral tributes to media pioneers late Taro Chatung and V. Ravindran, and a welcome address by PPC General Secretary Mingkeng Osik.
Among others, APU faculty members, administrative staff, students, media professionals, district officials, and PPC members attended the event.