Sikkim observes National Press Day with focus on media’s changing role

GANGTOK, (IPR): The National Press Day was celebrated in Gangtok today with the theme “Changing Nature of Press.” Organised by State Information and Public Relations department, the programme was graced by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay as the chief guest.   

The event saw presentation of annual awards

Also present were minister Nar Bahadur Dahal, MLAs L.B. Das (also the IPR department advisor), Delay Namgyal Barfungpa and Kala Rai, Lok Sabha MP, Chief Minister’s advisors, political secretary and press secretary, former legislators, head and senior officers of departments, Press Club of Sikkim executive members, media fraternity, students of various schools and universities, and officers and staff of IPR Department.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister highlighted the contributions of the press and media in informing the public, enlightening society and holding governments accountable, and called for honouring the unity of journalists and their commitment to social justice, particularly for marginalized communities.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the State government efforts to inspire the younger generation by recognizing distinguished individuals across various fields. He announced plans to double the value of existing journalism awards. He stated that the State government has fulfilled all the Press Club’s longstanding demands including that of pension in the form of ‘Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana’. Financial benefits under the scheme is provided by PCS to those working journalists who retire from active journalism after they fulfil certain eligibility criteria.

Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana was launched by the Chief Minister on the occasion and cheques were presented to 10 senior journalists honouring them for their invaluable contributions.

The Chief Minister also announced medical insurance for journalists in collaboration with Central Referral Hospital-Manipal under the CM Discretionary Grant aimed at providing better healthcare support to journalists.  

Acknowledging the challenges faced by journalism, including misinformation, rumors and threats to freedom of expression, he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the press in overcoming these obstacles. “Collaborating with the media is essential for building a strong, just, and informed society,” he said.

In his address, MLA and IPR department advisor L.B. Das, emphasized the National Press Day’s significance in celebrating the press’s crucial role in upholding democracy. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The Changing Nature of Press,” he highlighted the transformative evolution of journalism from traditional print and broadcast media to the dynamic digital landscape we see today.

He remarked on how social media platforms and online news outlets have revolutionized the way information is shared and consumed, significantly broadening the reach and diversity of news coverage. He praised the awardees for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their craft, recognizing their substantial contributions to society. Their work, he asserted, exemplifies the enduring spirit and responsibility of journalism in these rapidly changing times, reaffirming its essential role in fostering informed public discourse.

The event saw the presentation of the annual journalism awards.

Senior freelance journalist Babbu Tamang received the ‘YN Bhandari Excellence in Journalism Award’, while Sikkim Reporter correspondent Sushil Rai received Press Club’s ‘Grameen Patrakartia Puraskar’ for his reporting on rural issues.

Pankaj Dhungel (East Mojo), Deepak Gurung (Anugamini) and Raymond Lepcha (Summit Times) received the Chief Minister’s Award for reporting on climate change, women safety, and human rights respectively.

On the occasion, the annual grant of Rs. 5 lakhs was also presented to PCS by the Chief Minister. This year, the grant was provided under the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG).

Similarly, a Chief Minister's Grant in Aid of Rs. 20 lakhs was present to the PCS for the welfare of senior journalists. Press Club of Sikkim president Bhim Rawat, on behalf of the press fraternity, thanked the Chief Minister of Sikkim for the financial help and support extended to media personnel of the State.

The event had Abhijit Majumdar, founder of Earshot.com and consulting editor at CNN News-18, and Saurabh Dwivedi, the founding editor of Lallantop, as keynote speakers.

Speaking on the topic of “Journalism in the Age of Social Media”, Abhijit Majumdar, highlighted the evolving nature of media. He emphasized that journalism today operates in a constant rush.

He observed that every citizen has effectively become a mobile broadcaster, sharing raw information instantly. He urged media professionals to prioritize credibility by verifying their sources. Striking a balance between speed and accuracy, he asserted, is paramount to maintaining credibility in a fast-paced media environment. He also cautioned against the dangers of confirmation bias and stressed the importance of maintaining self-discipline and professional instincts.

Saurabh Dwivedi delivered a thought-provoking address on the topic “The Changing Nature of the Press.” He reflected on the evolution of media through various phases, emphasizing the transformative impact of the digital age, where every individual now holds the potential to act as a news reporter. This shift, he noted, underscores the urgent need for caution and rigorous verification in news dissemination.

He urged the media to uphold the spirit of “We, the people of India…” by fostering inclusivity and transcending personal biases. Highlighting the dynamic nature of journalism, he encouraged professionals to adapt to emerging trends while ensuring their work is grounded in meticulous research.

He also emphasized the indispensable value of continuous learning in the field of journalism.  

Later, the two speakers also participated in an open floor discussion where they took questions from the audience participated. The discussion was moderated by senior DIO Sarojini Subba.

On the occasion of National Press Day, the Chief Minister, who is also the minister-in-charge of IPR department, also acknowledged the contributions of the officials of IPR department by presenting them certificates of appreciation.

Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by IPR secretary Annapurna Alley and the programme concluded with words of thanks by director Umesh Sunam.