State joins World Press Day observance
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 03 2024: In connection with the observance of World Press Day, Sahitya Thoupang Lup presented the Thiyam Premkumar Award 2024 to senior journalist Pradip Phanjoubam at Manipur Press Club here on Friday.

The award consists cash prize, honorary shawl and citation.

Speaking as the chief guest of the observance function, Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) director Dr Th Charanjeet recounted how the United Nations began to observe the World Press Day in 1943, in commemoration of the declaration made by African journalists against suppression of the freedom of press.

Highlighting the role of journalists in a democratic society and forging understanding between communities, he said that journalists are the eyes and ears of the public.

As such, it is important to maintain the freedom and independence of journalists.

In India's context, the Constitution covers the media under the freedom of speech and expression.

However, journalists should adhere to reasonable restrictions while exercising their freedom of speech and expression.

The executives should also have an objective view of whether the reasonable restrictions are violated or not.

Since both the executive and the media need to work together in a democracy, they should maintain cordial relations at all times, he suggested.

Presiding over the function, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) president Bijoy Kakchingtabam remarked that the journalists in Manipur are unable to discharge their duty as mandated under the global norms.

Oftentimes, they are either obstructed or threatened by various bodies or organisations including the government as well, he lamented, adding that if the people are made aware of the difficulties faced by journalists, then maybe the latter can work with full freedom.

Bijoy then informed that AMWJU will work out plans to observe World Press Day from next year onwards.

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