The Dimapur Press Club celebrated the National Press Day under the theme "who is not afraid of media" at DBDIL Hall, Don Bosco School Campus, Dimapur, on 16th November 2021 with Padma Bhushan, Dr. SC Jamir, who is also the former Governor of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and CM of Nagaland, as special guest.

Addressing the gathering, Padma Bhushan, SC Jamir, said that world is moving very fast particularly in the field of science and technology and the modern society has become information society where every citizen is equally interested to get latest information of not only the country but of the whole world therefore the information should be comprehensive, accurate and fair. In a situation where idea of right to information has become paramount in the society, he said, one should remember that the fundamental rights provided in the constitution of India and the other democratic world nothing has been given without checked. All rights are subjected to certain code of conduct, he said. He also said that in democracy where all are free, the privileges of the rights have to be matched with obligations and responsibilities.

On relationship between government and press, he said that much have been discussed, debated, deliberated on all occasion and various commentaries were also made but more important is the relationship between newspapers and their readers stating that newspapers must focus their attention on the welfare of the common man and in highlighting the problem of the people instead of the speeches of politicians. Speaking on his vision of Nagaland, Jamir, also mentioned that people of Nagaland are living in a confused society as no group or society can say which directions they are going. People talk about 21st century scientific development information technology but are too obsessed about the past that the Nagas have failed to new history and also completely neglected economic development, social reformation and cultural enlightenment while talking about politics.

Giving his opinion on Naga political issues, referring to framework agreements signed between Naga political groups and Government of India, he believed that agreed position signed was made in the best interest of the people of the state and the Naga people are politically conscious to accept the reality and further appealed the Naga people to wake up and see the reality and march hand in hand with the rest of the country.

The programme was chaired by Akangjungla while welcome address and vote of thanks were proposed by VP, DPC, Temjen Anichar and Dilip Sharma.

(Watimenla IA Dimapur)