The Dibrugarh district administration organised National Press Day at the conference hall of the District Commissioner’s office on Sunday. The event was chaired by District Commissioner Bikram Kairi and witnessed the presence of Senior Superintendent of Police Abhijit Gurav Dilip, other senior officials, and a large gathering of journalists from the district.
The keynote address was delivered by senior journalist and writer Sarat Chandra Neog, who spoke on the theme: “Safeguarding the Credibility of News Service amidst Misinformation.” Neog highlighted the critical role played by the media in disseminating genuine and accurate news. He expressed concern over the spread of misinformation on social media platforms and called for urgent and strict measures to curb fake news. Neog shared notable instances where misinformation had caused confusion, underlining the pressing need for responsible journalism.
Following the keynote address, senior journalist Ratan Hazarika spoke about the challenges faced by traditional print media in the digital age. While he noted a decline in newspaper circulation, Hazarika cautioned that inaccuracies in information gathering can still mislead the public. He urged media organisations to ensure their sources are reliable and messages are precise, reinforcing the media’s duty to serve the public with integrity.
Dibrugarh Press Club President and senior journalist Manash Jyoti Dutta also addressed the audience, emphasising the need for media houses to adapt while maintaining ethical standards. The gathering was welcomed by journalist Jyotish Patir, who set a positive tone for the event.
District Commissioner Bikram Kairi expressed gratitude to all speakers and participants. He remarked on the changing consumption patterns of news among the younger generation, noting the tendency to prefer quick updates over detailed reading. Kairi stressed the responsibility of journalists and media to clearly distinguish between authentic and false news for public awareness.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Barsha Talukdar, District Information and Public Relations Officer (DIPRO). Additional District Commissioners Biraj Baruah and Pranjal Baruah, along with Election Officer Pranjal Gogoi also attended the event.
National Press Day is celebrated annually on November 16 to mark the establishment of the Press Council of India in 1966. This day honours the vital role of the free and responsible press—a pillar of democracy that promotes transparency, ensures ethical journalism, and empowers citizens with accurate information. It serves as a reminder of the media’s duty to protect press freedom while maintaining high standards of truthfulness in reporting amid challenges such as misinformation and external influences.
