Veteran Journalist PB Dasgupta's Visit Highlights Role of Media in Social Change
In a significant visit to Arunachal Pradesh, veteran journalist PB Dasgupta, the founding father of the Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), emphasized the role of journalists as agents of social change. His visit, after a gap of nearly 20 years, carried symbolic significance for the journalistic community in the region.
The Power of Ethical Journalism
Addressing journalists during his visit, Dasgupta underscored the importance of ethical journalism in fostering social change. He encouraged journalists to remain bold, principled, and fearless in their reporting, while also highlighting the negative aspects prevailing in society. Exposing social ills through accurate and well-researched reporting, he said, is as important as promoting constructive narratives.
The Role of Journalism in Shaping Opinions
Dasgupta also emphasized the power that journalists hold in shaping opinions. He called for journalists to use this power responsibly, acting as a mirror to society, and for the betterment of the state. Every report or visual disseminated by the media, he said, contributes to public opinion and must be based on deep research, accuracy, and a commitment to educating the people.
The Importance of an Organized Journalistic Fraternity
Recalling the early days, Dasgupta explained how the idea of forming the APUWJ and the APC took shape. He emphasized that wherever journalism flourishes, there is a need for an organized body of working journalists and a press club to facilitate professional activities. The APUWJ was formed in 1981, and the proposal for a press club was formally placed before the state government in 1993.
Reflections on the Past and the Future of Journalism in Arunachal Pradesh
Sharing personal experiences, Dasgupta spoke about his initial reluctance to work from Itanagar but developing a deep attachment to the people of the state. He recalled that during his time, Arunachal did not have a local newspaper, which prompted him to later found the state's first newspaper, the Echo of Arunachal. He urged journalists to view their profession as a service to society and the nation, rather than a pursuit for personal recognition.
For journalists in Northeast India, Dasgupta's visit serves as a reminder of the crucial role they play in shaping the narrative of their communities. By adhering to ethical standards and working in the interest of the people, they can be powerful agents of social change. As Dasgupta himself noted, "We journalists have immense responsibility and also the power to shape opinions. This power must be used for the welfare of the state."