[ Bini Yurom ]

There is a saying that journalism gives a voice to the people. When I began my internship as a student reporter, I believed my role was simple: interview people, collect opinions, and present different perspectives. However, I soon realised that one of the most powerful stories I would encounter was not spoken at all – it was hidden in silence.

Throughout my internship, I covered press conferences, public meetings, and peaceful protests. At many of these events, I was asked to interview local people and record their opinions. Carrying a microphone, I approached people with simple questions, hoping to understand what they thought about the issues affecting their communities. Instead, I was often met with polite smiles, quiet refusals, or a gentle shake of the head.

Many people would simply say, “I don’t want to speak on camera.” Others quietly admitted that they preferred not to comment publicly, while some agreed to speak only after the camera was switched off.

These reactions were not limited to a single event or issue. I encountered them repeatedly, regardless of where I was reporting.

At first, I thought people were simply nervous about facing a camera. As I met more people, however, I realised there was more to their silence than shyness. Every person had a different reason for remaining quiet. Some feared being misunderstood, while others worried that expressing their opinions publicly might bring unwanted attention or create unnecessary problems. Whether those fears were justified or not, they influenced how people chose to express themselves.

That experience changed the way I understood journalism. I realised that reporting is not only about documenting what people say but also about understanding why some people choose not to speak. Sometimes silence tells a story just as powerful as words. It reflects hesitation, concern, and the feeling that one’s voice may not make a difference.

Arunachal Pradesh is home to diverse communities, rich traditions, and people who genuinely care about their society. During my field reporting, I met many thoughtful individuals who had clear opinions about the issues affecting their communities. Yet, when the camera was turned on, many chose to remain silent. Their silence reminded me that not every story is spoken aloud.

As a journalism student, this became one of the most valuable lessons of my internship. A good journalist must do more than ask questions. We must earn people’s trust, respect their comfort, and create an environment where they feel safe enough to speak honestly. Listening with patience is just as important as asking the right questions.

At the same time, I believe local people also have a responsibility to speak for themselves. Journalists can report facts, highlight issues, and provide a platform, but they cannot replace the voices of the people. Every citizen has experiences and opinions that deserve to be heard. Meaningful change becomes possible only when both journalists and citizens are willing to play their part.

Perhaps one day more people will feel confident enough to share their thoughts openly. Until then, I will continue to listen with empathy, report with fairness, and remember that even silence has a story worth telling.