ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) and Arunachal Press Club (APC), and journalists across the state on Saturday gathered to honour the legacy of pioneering journalist Taro Chatung on his fifth death anniversary, reflecting on his invaluable contributions to the state’s media landscape.
Often referred to as the “founding father of electronic media” in Arunachal, Chatung, a State gold medal awardee, was a fearless journalist who used his platform to bring attention to social, political, and developmental issues affecting the state.
Born on March 1, 1963, Chatung’s journey ended on October 26, 2019 at TRIHMS, Naharlagun after a battle with cancer.
Remembering late Chatung, who was a voice for the voiceless, APUWJ president Amar Sangno said that every year the media bodies come together not just to pay tribute to the legend but to recall his contributions.
He urged young journalists to embrace Chatung’s unwavering dedication. “I appeal to the journalists to be dedicated and passionate about the profession as Chatung was till his last breath,” he said.
To honour his contributions, APUWJ has introduced the Taro Chatung Excellence Award for Journalists, which is presented annually during the National Press Day celebration.
APUWJ vice president Ranju Dodum said that as a journalist we should uphold the legacy of late Chatung by pursuing problems, not people, and pursuing issues and not agendas. Sadly, today's media is not the same as what late Chatung advocated during his days. Avoiding such snags, we can uphold the true meaning and preaching of journalism.
“Late Chatung had a unique way of questioning which made him different. However, he always raised issues and problems of the public. We should be ready to ask tough questions to the authorities concerned, which was one of the inspiring journalistic approaches of Taro Chatung,” he added.
Earlier, the members of the Union and Press Club paid floral tribute to late Chatung and observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul.
The Ziro Press Club, an affiliate of APC, also observed his anniversary along with the students of Saint Claret College at Kelya village, Hija, where Chatung’s mortal remains were laid to rest.
In another tribute paying event, the Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) in collaboration with RK Mission Hospital’s Blood Center organized a blood donation drive to honour the legacy of Chatung. The event saw over 30 units of blood being collected from volunteers including ITBP jawans, NSS volunteers, members of the Arunachal Bullet Club, and local journalists.
Gracing the program, ICR Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom urged young journalists to follow in Chatung’s footsteps, citing his dedication to public service and journalism as an inspiration to the state.
Reflecting on late Chatung’s career, Potom recalled his decision to leave public service as a Circle Officer to pursue journalism, leading to his impactful show ‘News and Views’ on Doordarshan. “His determination to serve society through journalism left a lasting mark on the state,” Potom stated.
AEDMA president JT Tagam also paid tribute to late Chatung, recalling his influential role in establishing journalism in Arunachal Pradesh. Sia Chatung, daughter of late Chatung, and Swamijis from RK Mission Hospital also attended the event.
The event concluded with a floral tribute and a minute’s silence with a commitment to continue Chatung’s legacy of integrity and public service in journalism.