Panaji, November 17, 2018 … “National Press Day symbolizes free, fair and responsible press. Free press is a cornerstone of democracy,” said Secretary, Information and Publicity, Shri Sudhir Mahajan, IAS, at the National Press Day function held in Panaji, yesterday.
The function was organized by the Department of Information and Publicity in collaboration with the Goa Editors’ Guild, the Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ), Photo Journalists Association of Goa, Electronic Media Journalists Association, Sports Journalists Association, and South Goa Journalists Association.
Shri. Mahajan added, “The press helps to bring information on beneficial legislation of the Government to the people and if there are glitches in them, then exposes them and enables the Government to take corrective measures.”
Earlier, the message of the Chief Minister, Shri Manohar Parrikar to journalists was read out by Smt. Janhhavi Savaikar on the occasion.
The Director, Department of Information and Publicity, Shri Gurudas Pilarnekar in his welcome address said that freedom of speech is imbibed in the Constitution in India. Shri Pilarnekar said that despite difficulties the journalists face, I congratulate them for working with dedication to gain the trust of the people.
The theme of National Press Day for this year is “Journalistic Ethics and Challenges in Digital Era”. Shri. Dinkar Raikar, Group Editor of Lokmat, Mumbai delivered the key note address on the theme. In his address, he said that in democracy, press has to be the strongest opposition on behalf of the common people. “Journalism is evolving and is getting revolutionized,” he added. Shri. Raikar said technology makes things easier but it comes with a price. He said that all want to break news fast and in trying to do so gets the news wrong often.
Shri. Raikar spoke of how fake news has emerged. There are challenges but there are initiatives being headed by individuals who are trying to make a difference and present accurate and true news, he said. Shri. Raikar concluded on a positive note that journalism of courage, conviction and truth will always prevail.
President of GUJ, Shri Kishore Naik Gaonkar introduced the senior journalists- Shri Jovito Lopes, Shri Somnath Raikar and Smt. Nayana Adarkar- who were felicitated on the occasion for their substantial contribution in the field of Journalism. While speaking on the occasion, Shri Jovito Lopes said that journalists have to be research minded when delivering news. He said that the print media has to prepare itself for the digital revolution.
The Goa State Journalists Awards were also given to the awardees on the occasion. The Best Editor Award on ‘National Integration and Communal Harmony’ was awarded to Shri Shashwat Gupta, Editor from Gomantak Times for his Editorial “Indo – Pak peace Zinda hai”. The other awardees included Shri Devendra Ganesh Gaonkar from Herald for ‘Rural Reporting’, Ms. Nibedita Sen from Gomantak Times for ‘Reporting in Public Health and Hygiene’, Shri Vishwanath Nene from Prudent Media for ‘Reporting with special reference to Women and Children/ Social issue’, Shri Sachin Korde from Lokmat for ‘Sport Reporting’, Shri Vitthal Gaude (Parwadkar) from Goa Doot for ‘Reporting on Art and Culture’. Shri Hemant Parab from The Navhind Times was awarded ‘Photo Journalism-Best Photograph of the year’.
Present on the occasion was former Director of Department of Information and Publicity, Shri. T.S.Sawant. Information Officer. Shri. John Aguiar proposed the vote of thanks. Shri. Shyam Gaonkar compered the function.
