DIPR
Imphal, Nov. 16: Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Shri Karam Shyam today said a State cannot achieve development if the media is not allowed to function independently. He was speaking at the National Press Day cum One-Day Workshop on “Challenges before the Media” function held at 1st Bn. Manipur Rifles Banquet Hall, Imphal organised by Directorate of Information and Public Relations.
Eight journalists were given the Manipur State Journalist Award 2017 by the Chief Guest of the function Shri Karam Shyam. The awardees for this year are—Editor Hueiyen Lanpao (Manipuri), Shri Hemanta Kumar Ningomba (Best Editor on National Integration and Communal Harmony); Senior Staff Reporter Sangai Express Shri Laishram Shamungou Singh (Science and Technology); Political Chief Sangai Express Shri Ahongsangbam Dilipkumar Singh (Parliamentary Reporting); Reporter Hueiyen Lanpao Kumari Ashem Babycha (Art and Culture); Sub-Editor Poknapham Shri Daniel Chabungbam (Rural Reporting); Staff Reporter Sangai Express Kumari Sapam Aruna (Women and Children); Staff Reporter Poknapham Shri Ibomcha Yumnam (Public Health and Hygiene) and Staff Reporter Sangai Express Shri M. Romen (Sports Reporting).
Addressing the gathering, Minister Karam Shyam said State journalists face greater risks compared to their counterparts in other states. Stating that in conflict torn state like Manipur, it is difficult for media persons to carry out fearless and impartial reporting, the Minister said the Government recognises the contribution of journalists discharging their duties as the fourth pillar of democracy.
Acknowledging the selfless service of journalists, Minister Karam Shyam said however there is a need for a more active and neutral media in the State. He also called upon All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) to continue with their efforts to serve the people of the State. He said the Government, media and the common man must fight together to bring a positive change.
Congratulating the eight recipients of the State Journalist Award 2017, the Minister said the recognition given to the awardees is the labour of their hard work. The Minister also called upon the journalists to continue to report news with accountability and abiding the ethics so that those involved in doing good service are not victimised due to inaccurate reporting.
Shri K. Radhakumar Singh, Commissioner IPR, in his presidential speech said that, the State media is in a transition stage due to rapid modernisation. Stating that the current media requires specialisation, K. Radhakumar Singh urged the journalist to be conscious of objectivity in their reporting. He also said the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is being strengthened not only in terms of infrastructure but also in manpower. He also said suggestions are welcomed from the journalist and media persons to further strengthened department.
During the One-Day Workshop on “Challenges before the Media”, A.K. Sanaton Former President of AMWJU was the moderator, resource persons Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, Member AMWJU, Yumnam Rupachandra, Secretary, Editors Guild Manipur and Sothing Shimray, Ex-President, Manipur Hills and Journalists’ Union (MHJU) presented their papers.
Shri Meghachandra Kongbam, Director, DIPR delivered the welcome and key-note address and Shri Chongtham Noyon Singh, Deputy Director, DIPR gave the vote of thanks. Officials and staffs of the DIPR and journalists from both the valley and the hills attended the National Press Day function.
