Assam marked National Press Day on Sunday, with events held in Guwahati and Nalbari under the theme “Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation.” The observances brought attention to issues surrounding press freedom, the spread of misinformation, and the essential protection of journalists’ credibility and safety.
At the Guwahati Press Club, the celebrations included an inter-media quiz competition and the launch of a year-long fellowship for journalists. Khagen Kalita, the Press Club president, announced that ten journalists from Assam would be selected across various thematic categories, each receiving Rs 50,000 for their detailed reporting projects.
Kalita emphasized the significance of National Press Day for journalists, describing it as a reminder of the press’s historical role in democracy. He also extended best wishes to senior journalists, including P. G. Baruah, Kanakchandra Deka, and Dhirendranath Bezbaruah.
Parag Moni Aditya, editor of News 18 Assam, shared his gratitude toward the media community but raised alarms about the inadequate institutional support available to journalists. He remarked, “National Press Day reminds us that the nation has acknowledged our role, but we must question whether it remains merely symbolic and whether sufficient measures are in place to guarantee our safety and economic stability. While the media has responsibilities to society, society too has obligations to us.”
In Nalbari, the District Administration and the District Information and Public Relations Office hosted a gathering at the District Commissioner’s Office auditorium. District Commissioner Nibedon Das Patowary highlighted the vital role of research-based journalism, stating that informed reporting ultimately benefits society and fosters public trust.
Speakers at the event, including Niyomiya Barta editor Naresh Kalita, Assam Publications Council secretary Pramod Kalita, and academic Dr. Sanjib Kumar Goswami, underscored the importance of prioritizing accuracy over speed. Dr. Goswami warned against allowing news to be driven by TRP ratings, urging journalists to conduct thorough field verification rather than relying solely on single-source information.
Reflecting on his 30-year career in journalism, Naresh Kalita noted, “Technology has changed many facets of our field, but the foremost concern today is trust.” He cautioned that misreporting does not only damage one organization but jeopardizes the entire media landscape. The program concluded with the distribution of certificates and tokens of goodwill, celebrating the commitment to journalistic integrity amidst contemporary challenges.
