GUWAHATI, April 13 - Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented accreditation and recognition cards to 153 journalists to facilitate their information gathering endeavour and journalistic activities, at a function held here today.
Speaking at the programme organised by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Sonowal said, �Journalists are the conscience of our society. Recognised as the fourth pillar of democracy, media is acting as the bridge between the three pillars and the people of our society.�
Sonowal said in order to facilitate transparency and honesty in all aspects of life and to fulfil the aspirations of the people of Assam, all the four pillars have to work in tandem.
Asserting that constructive criticism encourages and increases the beauty of democracy, the Chief Minister appealed to the journalists present on the occasion to indulge in constructive criticism and point out any lapses inadvertently committed by the government to set it (the government) right.
He also acknowledged the role played by the media in forging and strengthening unity among people of all ethnicities, languages, castes, creeds and religions. He urged the media fraternity to take a proactive role in helping the people, especially the younger generation to forge positive attitudes.
Sonowal said there is an urgent need for the media to highlight issues responsible for overall development of all the 33 districts of the State. He also urged the media fraternity to influence people of all sections to participate in public affairs of the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Hrishikesh Goswami termed the media the sentinel and said that though the media and government have different modus operandi, both the institutions work with a common objective, that is, service to the nation, society and the people. He said the State government is thinking resolutely not only for the welfare of the journalists who are primarily engaged in reporting, but for the other professionals also who are associated with journalism, but not with reporting.
Director, Information and Public Relations Rajiv Prakash Baruah gave the welcome address in the programme.
Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister Santanu Bharali, Secretary Information and Public Relations Department Sajjad Jaman Hazarika, Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune PJ Baruah and a host of senior journalists and officers were present on the occasion.
