Silchar Press Club celebrated National Press day on 16th November and felicitated journalists of Cachar who had contracted Coronavirus while in the line of duty. Media houses took part in the discussion on the theme “Role of media during COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on media”.

District Development Commissioner, Cachar, Jessica Lalsim graced the occasion as chief guest. The president of Silchar Press Club, Bijoy Krishna Nath, veteran journalist and columnist Atin Das and others were present in the programme.

At the very outset of the programme, the message of Chief Minister of Assam was readout. A two-minute silence was also observed to mourn the death of renowned journalist, late Ashim Dutta.

Addressing the media persons, District Development Commissioner, Lalsim said the press is the democratic foundation of a country and during the COVID-19 pandemic the media has done a commendable job. She mentioned about journalists who have had done their job relentlessly and fearlessly with some even sacrificing their lives also.

Journalists have made significant contributions during the COVID situation along with other government departments and non-government organisations. “With their help, the administration has been able to convey its message to the common man. Many have contracted the coronavirus while working and have since recovered”, she quipped.  On behalf of the administration, we must congratulate them, she added.

Around a dozen journalists of the district have been infected with the coronavirus. 

At the beginning of the programme, General Secretary of Silchar Press Club, Shankar Dey gave a detailed statement on behalf of the Press Club on the occasion of National Press Day. After that, Prabal Deb, an official of the Public Relations Department, read out a message of the Chief Minister to media persons on the occasion. 

President of the Silchar Press Club, Bijay Krishna Nath, said, “The media has faced many dangers in the corona situation. The newspapers have also taken a lot of risks in terms of business.”

The journalists who were accorded felicitation on this day shared their different perceptions.  In particular, Aditi Dutt, the wife of the late journalist Asim Dutt, shared her feelings. “In the last few months, many people, including journalists, have died of viral infections,” she said. 

Many people outside the media who attended the event praised the activities of journalists during difficult situations. Among them were social activist Sharifuzzaman Laskar and former student leader Roopam Nandi Purkayastha. 

The programme was held in association with Regional Office of Information and Public Relations, Barak valley Zone and District Administration, Cachar.