The Kohima Press Club celebrated its 25th Anniversary with the theme ‘traversing 25 years of storytelling: Inspiring the future’ at the Capital Convention Center, Kohima on 20th January 2026.
President Press Club of India, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty delivering the keynote address lauded the club for marking its 25 years through meaningful engagement with journalists from neighbouring states, describing it as a timely and reflective exercise for the profession. She congratulated KPC members for organising the event seamlessly, noting that even with a small membership base, the club had demonstrated exceptional dedication and professionalism.
Drawing from her over three decades of experience in journalism, Pisharoty said the profession has never been easy, but the challenges today are far more complex due to weakening financial models, corporate ownership, political interference and erosion of editorial independence. She warned that the line between journalism and public relations has increasingly blurred, weakening public trust and accountability.
She expressed concern over recent laws and regulations, including the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, which she said have diluted journalistic exemptions and weakened the Right to Information (RTI) framework, thereby restricting access to information vital for public interest reporting.
Highlighting technology as both an opportunity and a threat, she said while digital platforms have expanded reach and speed, they have also disrupted jobs and created new vulnerabilities for journalists, especially those working in smaller towns who face legal pressure and institutional insecurity.
Calling for public participation in sustaining credible journalism, Pisharoty urged citizens to subscribe to and financially support independent media platforms. “Even a small monthly contribution can strengthen democracy and ensure journalism remains accountable only to the people,” she added.
As President of the Press Club of India, she said her priorities include protecting journalists facing legal challenges, establishing legal support cells, organising training workshops on technology and digital security, and building a federation of elected press clubs across the country. She invited the Kohima Press Club to join the proposed national federation to strengthen collective advocacy for press freedom.
Pisharoty also highlighted the growing leadership of women in journalism in the Northeast, noting that the region has long broken gender barriers in newsrooms and press clubs. She acknowledged senior journalists such as Monalisa Changkija for their pioneering role and said the Northeast continues to set examples in inclusive media leadership.
She concluded by reiterating that only independent, credible journalism can safeguard democratic values and called on journalists and citizens alike to work together to protect press freedom.
Alice Yhoshü, President, Kohima Press Club delivering the presidential address urged journalists to draw inspiration from life’s many streams that nurture hope and resilience despite challenges, and called on members to remain focused on the lifeline of truth and storytelling. She recalled the Club’s formation in 2001 and its commitment to ethical journalism, professional fellowship and public service.
Former Vice President of Kohima Press Club (KPC), Vibou Seyie delivering greetings at the Club’s silver jubilee celebration, acknowledged the pioneers and visionary leaders who laid a strong foundation for the organisation.
She said the occasion was a time to introspect on the arduous journey of the Club, from holding meetings in small offices and government departments to becoming a strong institution with a permanent building coming up. Expressing gratitude to God and the media fraternity, she said the press remains one of the key pillars of democracy.
Sharing nostalgic experiences from her years in journalism, Seyie highlighted the challenges of reporting in earlier days and appreciated the growing participation of women in the media today. She also congratulated the present KPC team led by the President for their achievements and encouraged journalists to continue upholding truth and ethical journalism, adding that the best was yet to come.
Earlier a minute’s silence was observed in memory of the deceased members of Kohima Press Club.
The inaugural event was followed by the Northeast Media Conclave themed “Reimagining Truth: Northeast Journalism for a Changing World” which brought together leading journalists and media professionals from across the region to deliberate on the evolving challenges facing journalism in the digital age.
The first session focused on “Evolving Nature of Media: Ethics under Pressure and Strengthening Credibility in the Age of Misinformation”. Moderated by Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü of the Kohima Press Club, the session featured speakers Monalisa Changkija (Nagaland), Pradip Phanjoubam (Manipur), Geetartha Pathak (Indian Journalists Union), Karma Paljor (Sikkim), and Raymond Kharmujai (Meghalaya), who highlighted the need for ethical journalism and public trust amid the rise of misinformation.
The second session explored “Journalism as Peace Work: Navigating Divides, Building Bridges and Strengthening the Media Ecosystem in the Northeast”, Moderated by Dhiren A. Sadokpam (Manipur), the panel included Vanlalrema Vantawl (Mizoram), Utpal Parashar (Assam), Ranju Dodum (Arunachal Pradesh), and Debraj Deb (Tripura), who emphasized the role of media in fostering peace, dialogue, and regional cohesion.
The conclave served as a platform for cross border collaboration among journalists of the Northeast, reaffirming the media’s responsibility in promoting truth, accountability, and social harmony in a rapidly changing information landscape.
(Esuihangle IA)
