Arunachal Governor & CM Pema Khandu laud State's media fraternity

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Governor Brig (retd) Dr B.D. Mishra and State Chief Minister Pema Khandu have, in separate messages, extended their warm wishes to the media persons of the State a day ahead of the 'National Press Day' (NPD) observed every year on November 16.

In his message, the Governor said that the media is the nerve of the society. It plays a vital role in dissemination of information to the masses based on facts and truth.

"Committed to its social responsibility towards the people and our nation and being proactive partners in developmental programmes, the media must motivate people to work towards a just and corruption free society and promote development of the nation. Media must have bias less approach and showcase the social causes, national interest and human issues," he said.

Appreciating the State's media fraternity DrMishra said that media in Arunachal Pradesh has shown its commitment to truth, pursuits of democracy, fairness and objectivity.

"It has ensured that the happenings in the society are correctly reflected and important issues involving the youth, women and the weaker sections are provided the much needed attention. Its proactive role in Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and fight against COVID-19 pandemic has been commendable," he said.

"I am sure the media fraternity will continue to maintain the highest ethical standards, defending the principle of the balanced freedom of press, while discarding partisan dissemination of selective news items and sensational narratives," the Governor wished.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister PemaKhandu has hailed the State's media fraternity for going about their duty professionally without fear or favour.

Extending his best wishes and greetings to the State media persons, Khandu acknowledged the hardship and risks involved in conduct of the profession world over, especially in a remote State like Arunachal Pradesh.

"Compared to other States, our media fraternity is still evolving. I can proudly say that despite financial and other pressures, media of the State – both print and electronic – have been relentlessly working to inform and inspire the people. This is an opportune moment for me to thank them on behalf of the people of Arunachal Pradesh," Khandu said in a message ahead of the day.

He said as a free Fourth Estate is an integral part of a healthy democracy, the State government is committed for the safety, security and prosperity of media persons and media houses of the State. The Chief Minister lauded the State-based media houses for its role played during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that despite closing offices and press during the lockdowns, the journalists of the state did not shy away from their duties. The information on COVID-19 offered to the people by the Press is praiseworthy and immensely helped the government in combating the spread of the virus as well as misinformation, he observed.

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