CM iugurates photography institute, expresses concern over biased jourlism

From a Correspondent

JORHAT, March 16: Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday iugurated the Institute of Photography, a unit of UBP’s Centre for Altertive Vocation in Jorhat at a programme organized in the Jorhat Press Club. The Institute is part of the expansion process of UB (Utpal Barua) Photos of Guwahati as a partner institute of the Indian Institute of Entrepreneurship (IIE).

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, “I am happy that sincerity, honesty and commitment are the main factors needed to thrive in the present age of photography or jourlism which sustains in the long run. Sensatiolism might make one feel good but that is purely temporary because the colors of sensation fade very quickly. Appreciation and real respect are retained by those who have commitment and abide by their profession. This kind of respect nobody can buy. Even money cannot value it.”

The Chief Minister further said “It is not that all jourlists practice sensatiolism but sometimes they are helpless.  If today somebody does not have the power of speech it is none other than the jourlists as they are dictated by their owners. It is very remorseful to see that jourlist do not enjoy freedom of speech and expression and are deprived from these fundamental rights. They pen stories as their owners guide them. Sometimes they have to do this against their conscience. That is why I don’t blame them. I feel pity that they can’t even acknowledge this fact openly that what Tarun Gogoi is saying is right.  But this needs to be changed. Only the real facts should come out. In a democracy it is inevitable that everyone will have their own views, whether good or bad. Everybody cannot have the same opinion. It is not like I say something and everyone will blindly follow me. In that case it will not be democratic at all. Nevertheless, I wish the organizers of the Institute of Photography all the best in their endeavour. Photography is an art, a skill to be precise. Today, with changing technologies in the field of photography, there is a need for our young generations to equip themselves with this global change and build a career through this self- employment avenue.”

Earlier, Utpal Barua, the owner of UB Photos spoke at length about the opening of the Institute of Photography in Jorhat. Notably, the Jorhat Press Club also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister signed by the president Ashok Kr Baruah and secretary Rajib Bora demanding a housing complex for all the jourlists of Jorhat in recognization of their relentless and dedicated service towards news reporting.

Also present in today’s meeting were MLA Jorhat Ra Goswami, MLA Mariani Rup Jyoti Kurmi, Deputy Commissioner Jorhat Solanki Vishal Vasant, noted litterateur Prafulla Rajguru and a host of other jourlists and photographers.