National Press Day 2024 Commemorated in Guwahati: A Reflection on the Changing Nature of the Press

National Press Day 2024 was observed today under the aegis of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Assam, with a significant gathering at the PWD Convention and Training Center, Dispur. Centered on the theme, “The Changing Nature of Press,” the event provided an opportunity for media professionals, government officials, and students to engage in meaningful dialogue about the evolving role of the press in the modern era.
The event began with a heartfelt welcome address by the Director, I & PR, Manabendra Dev Ray, who reminisced about the earlier days of journalism. He expressed optimism for Assam’s media to align with global journalism practices, especially through the adoption of science and technology to meet emerging challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Kuladhar Saikia, former Director General of Police, Assam, and former President of Asom Sahitya Sabha presented profound reflections on the transformative nature of the press. He urged the audience to consider whether the press should remain a mere mirror reflecting society or evolve into medium addressing critical issues with social relevance. Dr. Saikia cited the Mandela Effect to illustrate how repetition of falsehoods can distort public perception. Quoting Zbigniew Brzezinski, he emphasized the media’s power to shape daily lives and societal priorities. He expressed concerns about media trials undermining judicial integrity and stressed the need for trust-building measures within the media industry.
Highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), Dr. Saikia called for a proactive embrace of technological advancements. He encouraged media professionals to adapt by leveraging technology as a resource while ensuring its integration with linguistic and journalistic skills. Citing the example of Assamese being granted classical language status, he highlighted the pivotal role of the press in promoting the language on global platforms. He further stated that for Assamese to achieve global recognition, the press can play a significant role in facilitating its acceptance and outreach.
Addressing the gathering, the Editor, Assam Legislative Assembly TV, Bhupendra Nath Bhattacharya focused on the critical issue of fake news, emphasizing its detrimental impact on public trust. He urged journalists to adopt a meticulous approach by verifying facts before publishing, especially in the rapid information cycle of the digital era.
Executive Editor of The Assam Tribune, Prasanta Jyoti Baruah highlighted the significance of self-introspection among journalists on National Press Day. Addressing the challenges faced by media professionals, he noted the shift from traditional print readership to digital platforms, which have expanded the audience globally. He applauded the electronic reach of news, linking it to R.G. Baruah’s dream of widespread access to information. Shri Baruah also appealed to the government to take initiatives to improve the welfare of journalists, including provisions for housing and medical allowances, to support the fraternity better.
The Chief Editor of Dapon and well-known retired civil servant, Thaneswar Malakar spoke about the challenges posed by evolving language use in modern journalism, underlining the importance of maintaining precision in spelling and word usage to preserve linguistic integrity.
The event provided a platform to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities posed by the dynamic nature of the press. Discussions emphasized the need to balance technological adoption with journalistic ethics, ensuring that truth and accountability remain central to the media’s mission.
A song composed to commemorate the occasion added a cultural vibrancy to the event. The performance reflected the spirit of National Press Day, celebrating the contribution of the press to society. The song was written by retired Artist Ghanasyam Baishya and edited by retired Joint Director of I & PR, Kanakeswar Borgohain and composed by Artist Baishya and Janmi Das.
The presence of students from Gauhati University, Cotton University, KKHSOU and other institutions enriched the discussions, reflecting a promising future for the field of journalism.
As National Press Day 2024 concluded, it left attendees with a renewed commitment to uphold the core values of journalism while embracing innovation to meet the evolving demands of a global audience.
It may be mentioned here that all the field offices under the Directorate of Information and Public Relations also observed National Press Day in their respective districts and Co Districts.