As part of the National Press Day celebration, the Tripura Government honoured and felicitated seven eminent journalists and photo-journalists of the State for their contributions in journalism. A programme was held in Agartala on Tuesday to observe the National Press Day which is held on November 16 every year. However, owing to Civic Body polls, the programme was deferred and was observed today.
In the programme, six veteran journalists and one photojournalist – Jayanta Bhattacharjee, Manas Pal, Syed Sajjad Ali, Shanit Deb Roy, Debhashish Bhattachajee, Dr. Biswendu Bhattachajee and Suman Deb Roy – were felicitated.
Seven eminent journalists and photo-journalists of Tripura were felicitated by the state government as part of the National Press Day programme on Tuesday. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, Information and Cultural Affairs minister Sushanta Chowdhury and other dignitaries were present in the programme.
The ICA department in collaboration with Agartala Press Club organized the programme.
While addressing the programme, the Chief Minister laid emphasis on constructive criticism by the media. “Media plays an important role in drawing the attention of the government on various issues,” Deb said.
In this connection Deb stressed on the need to nurture positivity. He said, identification of shortcomings and upholding the positivity will ensure progress of the State.
He also informed the gathering that his government would take 18-day-long programmes to mark the Statehood Day, in view of the glory and history of the state.
The ICA minister said the present government is media-friendly and endless efforts are being made to maintain a smooth relation with the media.
He said the present government took some important decisions for the welfare of the media, including increase of journalists’ pension to Rs. 10,000. Chowdhury also said the journalists have a major role in making public opinion.
Vice-chancellor of Maharaja Bir Bikram University- Dr. Satyadeo Poddar, president of Agartala Press Club Subal Kumar Dey, secretary Pranab Sarkar, Secretary of ICA department P.K. Goyal and director Ratan Biswas were also present in the National Press Day programme.