ZIRO, SEP 26:
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar organised a Vartalap on “Responsible Journalism, Informed Citizen & Nasha Mukt Bharat for Better Society” at St. Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro, bringing together working journalists from Lower Subansiri and students of the college’s Mass Communication Department.
The programme provided a platform for journalists and aspiring media professionals to deliberate on fact-checking, research, verification, cross-checking of information, media literacy and responsible dissemination of news.
In his inaugural address, PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar described fake news as “venom” and emphasised the role of responsible journalism in countering its spread. He highlighted the rapid flow of information through digital and social media platforms and noted that even a small piece of information can quickly reach communities across the State.
Parmar encouraged Mass Communication students to actively engage with the media ecosystem and invited them to participate in Doordarshan’s programme “Mera Gaon, Meri Kahani”, which provides an opportunity to document stories from their communities and take local narratives to a wider audience.
In his keynote address, Doordarshan Kendra Itanagar News Editor KD Singh stressed the importance of verification before amplification. He said information should be cross-checked, facts verified and data carefully interpreted before being presented to the public.
Singh also interacted with the participants on how newspaper headlines can influence public understanding, emphasising the importance of context and accuracy in news reporting. He shared information on the national and state de-addiction helplines 14446 and 14416 and stressed the importance of awareness and timely support in addressing substance abuse.
Chief Guest and St. Claret College Principal Dr Fr. Allwyn Mendoz highlighted the growing interest in Mass Communication among young people in remote regions. He emphasised the role of education and communication in understanding diverse perspectives and contributing to national development.
Ziro Press Club President Tanyang Pugang thanked PIB Itanagar for bringing the Vartalap initiative to Ziro and providing journalists and students an opportunity to interact with media professionals and discuss contemporary challenges in journalism.
The programme also featured an interactive session during which participants raised questions on ethical reporting, information verification and challenges faced by journalists. Journalists from Times Ziro, AP Direct and Amaaba Ziro shared their field experiences, including perspectives on issues concerning women journalists.
The participation of working journalists and Mass Communication students provided an opportunity for professional experience to interact with the aspirations of future journalists, reinforcing the importance of responsible journalism, informed citizenship and media literacy in an era of rapid information flow.
