DHEMAJI, Jan 13 - Dhemaji Press Club, which was formed by a few mediapersons on July 15, 1984, has crossed 25 years of its existence. Therefore, the scribes� body is observing a year-long silver jubilee celebration from December, 2016 last to December, 2017. The opening ceremony of the jubilee function was celebrated on December 28 with a day-long programme.
The celebration began with a cleanliness drive in the morning led by Nitu Borgohain, working president, Dhemaji Press Club. It was followed by a programme of sapling plantation which was initiated by freedom fighter Tanka Bora.
The flag of the press club was hoisted on the occasion at 9 am by Roshni Aparanji Korati, president, celebration committee and Deputy Commissioner, Dhemaji while 24 other flags were unfurled by 24 journalists and distinguished persons of Dhemaji. It was followed by smriti tarpan, where contributions of dedicated journalists of the State, who lost their lives in the hands of unknown miscreants, were recalled and rich tributes were paid to them. It was initiated by Ashwini Kumar Dowarah, president, Dhemaji Press Club. A drawing competition was held subsequently among school students which was conducted by journalist Jiban Konwar.
To mark the occasion, an open meeting was held at 12:30 pm in the Press Club conference hall under the presidentship of Dharma Kanta Mili, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dhemaji. The welcome speech was given by Premananda Talukdar, secretary of Dhemaji Press Club and celebration committee. The meeting started with a chorus by the students of Shrutimala Academy. It was inaugurated by dramatist Hemanta Borpatra Gohain.
In his inaugural speech, Gohain spoke on the importance of Press in a democratic nation like India. He also exhorted the journalists to be aware of the language of reporting. Further, he stressed that journalists should not misuse their freedom, but properly utilise it in the development process of the nation.
Addressing the meeting as distinguished guest, senior journalist and litterateur Umesh Chetia highlighted the present scenario of Press in the country. He said that Press should act as a watchdog and voice of the people. He further said that the media should present the problems of the people properly and highlight the participation of the government. He also laid stress on obeying the norms laid down by the Press Council of India by journalists.
The meeting was addressed by Gobin Chandra Medok, former president, Dhemaji District Journalists� Association, who in his speech, gave importance on sensible and positive news reporting rather than winning a battle with some sensational reporting. He also stressed the need of updating the quality of journalists to compete in the present situation.
The meeting was addressed by Kumud Boruah, secretary, North Lakhimpur Press Club and Amrit Paban Bora, secretary, Dhakuakhana Press Guild. Both expressed dissatisfaction over the insecurity of journalists, quality of news published and the state of the economy. They requested journalists to be united.
Speaking in the meeting as the appointed speaker, Keshab Kalita, president, Bartajibi Sangha, Assam dwelt at length about the problems correspondents have been facing since Independence. He also narrated how rural mediapersons have been sending reports to newspapers for long without salary. In this regard, Kalita also presented the monthly payment status of a correspondent as per Majithia Wage Board recommendations and suggested the local correspondents to avail the benefits. The meeting was also addressed by Mandira Chayengia, District Information and Public Relations Officer, Dhemaji as distinguished guest.
In the evening, a colourful cultural programme was organised which was conducted by Jiten Das, Cultural Officer, Dhemaji. The function was inaugurated by Nilesh Chawakare, Superintendent of Police, Dhemaji.
