TEZPUR, Feb 22 - �Gandhian philosophy is still relevant while practising journalism as Gandhiji was not only the father of the nation, but he was also the father of true journalism. The application of his philosophy needs greater courage and moral strength. He believed that Ahimsa has a universal application and it can be used in one�s own family, society and the world at large. Through the technique of non-violence, an opponent can be changed morally, and by using this tool, Gandhiji defeated his opponent and gained India�s freedom.� This was observed by PJ Baruah, noted journalist and Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune, while giving the introductory remark in the inaugural ceremony of the two-day-long symposium cum workshop on the issue of �Gandhian Philosophy and Peace Journalism� organised at the Mass Communication and Journalism Department of Tezpur University here.
In his speech, Baruah put stress on the positive role of the media so that it can bring peace and development in the society. �As we live in a conflict zone like the North-east, the media should always try to be very sincere in its reporting so that peace, communal fabric and the human integrity are not harmed.�
He spoke on the subjects of �Looking for Stories of Rebuilding Lives and Untold Stories of Rehabilitation Faultiness in Conflict-hit Areas� and �Issues and Challenges of Covering Conflict: An Editor�s Perspective�.
The event organised by the department in collaboration with the Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti was formally inaugurated by Prof PK Das, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences of the University
Das, in his speech, appreciated the positive and balanced reporting done by The Assam Tribune.
Speaking on the topic �Peace Journalism in Theory and Practice: Observations on India�s Northeast�, freelance journalist and author Rajeev Bhattacharyya shared his experiences of reporting in the conflict zones. He urged the journalists to stick to objectivity and accuracy.
Prominent journalist Sushanta Talukdar, Editor of The Nezine, spoke on the subjects of �Looking for Stories of Rebuilding Lives and Untold Stories of Rehabilitation Faultiness in Conflict-hit Areas� and �Issues and Challenges of Covering Conflict: An Editor�s Perspective�, while giving concluding remarks on the event.
Dr Syed Murtaza Alfarid Hussain, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Assam University, stated that there is an urgent need of maintaining accuracy and positivity in reporting.
Biren Das, Registrar of Tezpur University, and a few students of the department, like Amlan Jyoti Das, Nidarshana Mahanta, Tirtharaj Gohain and RK Yaibiren Sana, also spoke on the occasion.
Prof Abhijit Borah, Head of the Mass Communication and Journalism Department, gave the welcome speech. Dr Anjuman Borah and Dr Junali Deka gave the introduction and the vote of thanks respectively.