ZIRO, Sep 26: The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Itanagar, organised a Vartalap on the theme “Responsible Journalism, Informed Citizen & Nasha Mukt Bharat for Better Society” at St Claret College (Autonomous), Ziro, on Saturday, bringing together working journalists from Lower Subansiri district and students of the college’s Mass Communication Department.
The programme focused on fact-checking, research, verification, cross-checking of information, media literacy and the responsible dissemination of news in the digital age.
Addressing the gathering, PIB Itanagar Joint Director Utsav Parmar described fake news as “venom” and stressed the role of responsible journalism in countering its spread. He highlighted the rapid flow of information through digital and social media platforms and said even a small piece of information could quickly reach large sections of society.
Parmar also encouraged Mass Communication students to actively engage with the media ecosystem and invited aspiring journalists to participate in Doordarshan's programme “Mera Gaon, Meri Kahani”, which provides an opportunity to showcase stories from local communities to a wider audience.
In his keynote address, Doordarshan Kendra, Itanagar News Editor KD Singh emphasised the importance of verification before amplification. He stressed that information should be cross-checked, facts verified and data interpreted carefully before being presented to the public.
Singh also interacted with participants on the role of headlines in shaping public understanding and underlined the importance of context and accuracy in news reporting. He shared information on the national and state de-addiction helplines 14446 and 14416, stressing the importance of awareness and timely support in addressing substance abuse.
The college Principal Dr Fr Allwyn Mendoz highlighted the growing interest in Mass Communication among young people in remote areas such as Ziro. 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.
Journalists associated with Times Ziro, AP Direct and Amaaba Ziro also participated in the interactive session and shared their field experiences, including issues concerning women journalists.
The participation of working journalists and Mass Communication students provided an inter-generational platform for exchange between experienced media professionals and aspiring journalists.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on responsible journalism, informed citizenship and media literacy as essential to addressing misinformation and building a better and resilient society.