ZIRO, 26 Sep: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar, organised a vartalap (conversation) on the theme 'Responsible Journalism, Informed Citizen & Nasha Mukt Bharat for Better Society' at St Claret College, Ziro (SCCZ) here in Lower Subansiri district on Saturday.
The programme provided a platform for journalists and aspiring media professionals to discuss fact-checking, research, verification, cross-checking of information, and media literacy. Journalists from the Lower Subansiri region and students of the mass communication department of SCCZ were present.
In his inaugural address, PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar described fake news as "venom" and emphasised that responsible journalism is an important means of countering its spread.
Parmar encouraged the students of mass communication to actively engage with the media ecosystem, and invited aspiring journalists to participate in Doordarshan's programme 'Mera Gaon, Meri Kahani', providing them with an opportunity to tell stories from their communities and bring local narratives to a wider audience.
In his keynote address, Itanagar Doordarshan Kendra News Editor KD Singh underlined the importance of verification before amplification.
Emphasising the core values of journalism, he said that information must be cross-checked, facts verified and data interpreted carefully before being presented to the public.
During interacting session, Singh explained how newspaper headlines can shape public understanding. He highlighted the importance of context and accuracy in news reporting.
He further shared information on the national and state de-addiction helplines 14446 and 14416, stressing the importance of awareness and timely support in the fight against substance abuse.
SCCZ Principal Fr Allwyn Mendoz highlighted the growing interest in mass communication among young people in remote regions such as Ziro. He said that everyone wants the nation to progress, although the approaches and perspectives may differ across communities and regions. He emphasised the importance of education and communication in understanding these diverse perspectives.
Ziro Press Club President Tanyang Pugang expressed gratitude to the PIB for bringing the vartalap initiative to Ziro and providing journalists and students in the region with an opportunity to interact with media professionals and exchange views on contemporary journalistic challenges.
Working journalists associated with media organisations, including Times Ziro, AP Direct and Amaaba Ziro, also participated in the discussions and shared their experiences, including perspectives on issues concerning women journalists. (PIB)
