Port Blair, July 16: The Andaman and Nicobar Media Federation (ANMF) today organized a State Level Conference on the role of private media in these Islands. The Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Padmashree Awardee and Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, A & N Islands, Mr Naresh Chander Lal was the guest of honor. Representatives from various political parties, social organisations, journalists attended the conference.
In his address, the Member of Parliament appreciated the active role of the private media in these Islands. “The media here always keeps the administration alert on issues relating to public interest. In my opinion, there should be regular interaction between the administration and the media so that the masses are kept informed about the developmental initiatives undertaken by the government,” he said.
“The media should bring the truth before public. The media has all the right to criticize a public figure or an organization, but it should be based on facts. Moreover, the media should refrain from publishing reports that can derail the development initiatives of the government,” said the Member of Parliament assuring all support to media organizations in their endeavours.
Mr Naresh Chandra Lal said that private media here has been playing an important role covering all spheres in these islands. It also played an important role in giving platform to the artists and not only encouraged artists, but also presented their talent to everyone.
The General Secretary of ANMF, Mr Sanjib Kumar Roy said that the media here is playing the role of the opposition. The work of the media is to take the administration of the affairs of the public and highlight problems faced by the society.
Welcoming the gathering, the President of ANMF, Mr K Ganeshan highlighted the role of media and journalists in the archipelago. He also raised many issues related to journalists and the media world. Journalists here have never lagged behind in raising local issues and strived to provide information related to the new path and development of the society.
Discussion session was organized in the second phase of the conference. In addition to the leaders of the major political parties of the archipelago, people from Chamber of Commerce and Industries and other areas also expressed their views on the role of media in the archipelago.
Sanjay Meshak, Convener of Aam Aadmi Party, A & N Islands, said that the media is doing commendable work in the archipelago. “It has brought the truth from time to time. Journalists should always publish the news on the basis of truth and facts before the islanders.”
The President of Pradesh Congress Committee, Mr Kuldeep Rai Sharma lauded ANMF for organizing such a conference for the first time in these islands. “This kind of conference should be organized from time to time. With the advent of social media, there has been a lot of challenges before the print media. Regardless, the media of its archipelago is doing its job without any discrimination,” he said.
The Principal of JNRM, Dr N Francis Xavier spoke in detail about the history of Journalism in Andaman and the role played by the private media in these Islands in various decades.
Former Municipal Chairperson, Smt Sheela Singh, Deputy Director of PIB, Port Blair, Mr Nilesh Kumar Kalohar, Smt Rubina Siddiqui, former member UTCPCR, Smt Kiran Tigga former Chairperson UTCPCR, Mt Suderendra Dahladka of Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Sanjay Meshan, Convener, AAP, Mr. Sashank Puria of YCCI, Subir Chander, ZP member etc also spoke on the occasion.
Conference is moderated by Denis Giles, Editor of Andaman Chronicle and Vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Anadiranjan Biswas, Editor, Bak Pratima.
