AMWJU celebrates 35th foundation day
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 16, 2009: Invited dignitaries exhorting the journalists to uphold the tradition of disseminating information to the society and veteran scribes cautioning the upcoming journalists from indulgence in sensationalism marked the simple yet impressive celebration function of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union's 35th foundation anniversary at Manipur Press Club today.

The annual celebration held with former ISTV editor K Madhumangol, AMWJU president S Hemant and the scribe body's former president AK Sanaton as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively, began with the presentation of token gifts to veteran journalists.

Among the invitees who graced the occasion included Managing Director of Shija Hospitals and Research Institute (SHRI) Dr Kh Palin, RIMS Superintendent Dr Y Mohen, SSP (Imphal West) L Kailun and SP (Imphal East) Th Radheshyam.

35th Foundation Day of AMWJU in progress at the Manipur Press Club

Significantly, unlike in the past few years, there was no presence of Ministers or MLAs in the function.

Sharing solidarity to the media fraternity of the State having to work under intense pressure situation owing to interference from various unwanted section of the society, Dr Y Mohen prevailed upon all concerned that a free press is for the benefit of the society.

Describing as irritating and disgusting periodic interference from certain armed and pressure groups, the medical practitioner strongly advocated that there should be freedom of press.

In his address, Th Radheshyam taking note of AMWJU foraying into 35 years of existence said there is need for impartial retrospection as well as introspection of what the scribe body had achieved and what way it could contribute more for betterment of the manipuri society.

Pointing out that in celebrating 35 years of existence the journalist fraternity needs to ponder on ways to contribute their mite in eradicating ills afflicting the society, the police officer urged the media community to function as a mechanism for propelling the society to the path of progress and development.

Listing exaggeration and misunderstanding as two vital points that create rift in the police-media relationship, he accepted that in a situation like Manipur such differences is unavoidable.

Radheshyam, however, expressed that there should be maturity in the attitude and functioning of the two pillars of the society so as to minimise intensity of the conflict and to promote cordiality between the two guardians of the society.

He also emphasised that media has an even bigger role than the police organisation, particularly in the context of Manipur, where there is tendency to visualise almost everything from the prism of negativism.

SHRI's Managing Director Dr Palin in his brief presentation described media as the most powerful tool of communication and expressed hope news-persons could continue to work without interference.

Comparing interference in the functioning of the media to blockade of National Highways connecting the State, he appealed to all concerned to promote a free media instead of choking freedom of speech.

Dr Palin also announced that more discourses would be initiated through SHRI for enhancing reporting skill in medical journalism to ensure better dissemination of information concerning health care sector.

Stating that media should not relent from its dignified duty of being the society's watchdog, AK Sanaton addressing as the guest of honour stressed that there should be unbiased criticism as well as appreciation of any event or comment.

While exhorting the journalists to work without any inhibition, he nevertheless highlighted that owing to low wage bestowed for commitment of the mediapersons the journalist community sometimes are vulnerable to biasness.

The managing Director also declared that there would be 15 per cent exemption of service charge for any journalist of the State who requires treatment at the private medical centre.

Veteran journalist K Madhumangol urged upon the upcoming journalists to strive for precision in reporting and usage of words with the reminder that the slightest mistake could sent the wrong message and trigger undesired consequences.

Acknowledging suggestions of the speakers, AMWJU president S Hemant disclosed that periodically workshops are being planned for efficiency of the journalists.

The president further stated that taking into account financial constraints faced by the journalists a corpus fund would be set up for which the State Government has also assured substantial contribution.