Itanagar, Nov 16: Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein joined the spirited celebration of National Press Day organized by the Arunachal Press Club (APC) in collaboration with the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) at Itanagar today. The event, a tribute to press freedom, showcased the significant progress of Arunachal Pradesh’s media landscape.
Addressing the gathering, Mein highlighted the media’s vital role as the Fourth Pillar of Democracy, emphasizing its contribution to societal growth by keeping citizens informed. Despite challenges, he acknowledged the evolution of Arunachal’s media into a sizable family, with nine daily newspapers, two weekly publications, and 16 electronic and digital media outlets under the APC.
Mein applauded the APC for initiating Excellence in Journalism Awards, honoring pioneers like Late V Ravindran and Late Taro Chatung. He announced the GoAP’s commitment to media welfare, assuring funds for a library, gym, restaurant, and guest rooms in the Arunachal Press Club Building.
Recognizing the need to preserve media history, Mein suggested the creation of a journalists’ archive. At the event, he felicitated Senior Journalist Pradeep Kumar Behra with the Lifetime Achievement Award and recognized the exemplary work of Editor-In-Chief Sangge Droma and reporters Topi Ete and Nanman Jugli with the Taro Chatung Excellence Award.
The Deputy CM unveiled the APUWJ Press Vest, enhancing the formal identification of media professionals during field reporting, particularly in volatile situations. The event saw the presence of IPR Minister Bamang Felix, MLA Laisam Simai, MLA Gabriel D. Wangsu, Director IPR Onyok Pertin, and other dignitaries from the media fraternity.
