Kohima, January 20 (MExN): The Kohima Press Club (KPC) today observed its 15th foundation day here at KPC Conference Hall. A souvenir titled “Reminiscing 15 years of KPC and beyond…” and KPC constitution was formally released on the occasion by KPC president Xavier Rutsa and former president Kopelo Krome. KPC was officially taken off on January 20, 2001.
Limawati Ao, additional director Directorate of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) congratulated the KPC for attaining 15 years and wishes the club to grow from strength to strength. He called upon the journalists to maintain high degree of truthfulness, saying that truth will push the people and the nation forward.
A press note stated that on the occasion President KPC Xavier Rutsa in his presidential address said some few pioneers in the field of media based at Kohima, formed KPC on this day 20th January 2001 and the club has completed 15 glorious years of the journey today. Rutsa said KPC is the oldest Press Club in the state and has been pioneering in leading the fourth estate to a greater height over the last fifteen years, and has done a commendable yeoman service to the society and today KPC is able to stands on its feet and well recognized amongst the society.
President informed that the club started with humble beginning and today KPC has 42 registered members, working both in print and electronic media and more members to join the Club soon.
Highlighting the past 15 years, Rutsa said seven persons have hold the office of KPC President and six persons hold the post of General Secretary. He said the 1st KPC President (Lt. Dipak Chetri), the 3rd General Secretary Lt. Daiho Mao and two members Lt. Kevi M Sanyu and Theyeveyi Cumu left for heavenly abode.
Rutsa said observing the foundation day the KPC 15th anniversary souvenir and KPC (amended) constitution booklet also releasing. President also acknowledged the pioneers and all the members for the active support and cooperation rendered to KPC on all occasion.
KPC adviser Kopelo Krome, Oken Jeet Sandham senior member KPC and additional director DIPR Limawati Ao also address the gathering where they congratulated the KPC for completing its 15th years of existing. They also encouraged and advised the young coming up journalists in the state to work hard and render the yeomen service to the public.
The programme was chaired by Ng Solomon Sha joint secretary KPC, invocation prayer proposed by Rana Chetri mission convener NBCK, obituary reference led by KPC president, special songs presented by Kim Seyie, KPC general secretary and treasurer annual report were given, KPC 15th anniversary souvenir and KPC (amended) constitution booklet were released by Kopelo Krome KPC adviser and Xavier Rutsa president KPC.
The KPC saw some significant changes and development in 2015. A record 42 members enrolled in the Club’s annual membership drive. In October, a three member delegation of the Club attended a meeting convened by Nagaland Press Association at Dimapur where matter relating to the welfare of journalists in Nagaland was discussed such as inclusive provision of journalists’ welfare fund and accreditation rules of the state government, and implementation of Majithia Wage Board in Nagaland.
Subsequently, in December, in pursuance of the Working Journalists and other Newspaper Employees and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1955, the state government constituted the Tripartite Committee representing the state government, the newspapers management and the working journalists, non- working journalists for ensuring and monitoring the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Majithia Wage Board in the state of Nagaland. The president and general secretary of KPC will also represent the working/non-working journalist (employees) in the Committee.
The KPC will soon interact with the members of Dimapur and Mokokchung Press Club to strengthen fraternal ties. Officials from DIPR also attended the function.
