Advisor Toshi Wungtung addressing the media workshop 'VARTALAP' a flagship programme of the Central Government held at East Gate Hotel, Kohima on February 14. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, February 14 (MExN): One day media workshop 'VARTALAP' a flagship programme of the Central Government was held at East Gate Hotel, Kohima on February 14. The workshop was organised by Government of India, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
A DIPR report stated here that Advisor of Information and Public Relations, SCERT, VG, Government of Nagaland, Toshi Wungtung, in his speech said, ‘VARTALAP' is a focus on media to mediate about network and networking which has to be conclusive and result oriented. Advisor also said that the hallmark and role of the media should be both observant and participant. Responsible journalism should be to tell the difference between what the truth is and what is fake.
He expressed that there is also a need to create awareness to the general population and here media acts as the vehicle of deliverance to the people. If there is an absence to communication between the government and the target groups, he said that there will be devastation and this is where journalists come in.
Journalism should have a holistic approach and not be half baked. The Advisor asserted that the knowledge and attitude is vital to create complete awareness which will ultimately lead to the practice of this awareness. He also added that freedom of speech should not be corrupted and there should be a balanced view based on facts to achieve a balanced society.
Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Dr. ManazirJeelani, Samoon, IAS, speaking at the workshop, said that India though being the biggest democracy of the country the participation of people is not there and added that if there is no participation there will be loopholes and country will not be a vibrant democracy and, hence, media plays a very important role in ensuring that the participation comes directly as well as indirectly.
He stated that India is in an era where not only news but fact news is important in presenting the true story by going to the field and getting the first hand story, because media is like a mirror that shapes and narrates the society and help in the progress of the society. He added that free and fair media is an essential tool for a vibrant democracy and being the Fourth Pillar of democracy it has to be strong, independent and vibrant so that the vision of democracy can go on continuously without creating havoc.
He further pointed out that knowing all the government schemes and its implementation is a basic thing that the media people should know and whether the output of the schemes are making a difference to the grassroot level. He encouraged the journalists to go to the field to get the firsthand experience and also to get the facts right so that the credibility of the news will increase and people will get to know the real issues.
Secretary KPC, Alice Yhoshu said that though there are many centrally sponsored schemes being implemented in Nagaland often, only the implementing departments are aware of the details. She added that in some instances even the state's administrators do not have any knowledge about a particular scheme, leaving aside the media fraternity and the public.
She said that media has very little exposure to most of the centrally sponsored schemes as there is very little or no interaction at all between the implementing departments and the journalists.
She further pointed out that when there is no transparency and the Press is kept in the dark, there is more scope for corruption. She also emphasised on training for journalists to understand the schemes, so that they can interpret them to the people.
The programme was chaired by R.J. Tiamongla. Welcome address was delivered by Deputy Director, PIB, Abdul Hamid, IIS. While Vote of thanks was delivered by News Editor AIR, Kohima, Asonuo, IIS. Song & Drama Division presented a special song, Ministry of I&B, GoI. In the Technical session topics on 'Smart City’ was presented by Administrator, KMC, KoviMeyase, 'Poshan Abhiyaan' was presented by Additional Director, Tulula Pongen, 'Ayushman Bharat' was presented by Deputy Director, H&FM, Kikameren Longkumer. Topic on 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' was presented by SDO, Water & Sanitation Support Organisation, PHED, Er. Wonjanbeni Odyuo and 'Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana& Farmers Welfare related Schemes' was presented by Representative from Directorate of Agriculture.