The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Tezpur University commemorated World Press Freedom Day on May 3 by organizing a range of events that underscored the significance of press freedom in a democratic society.
The theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024 is “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis”. The department extended an invitation to the employed journalists to partake in a panel discussion, where they could openly share their valuable experiences.
During the inaugural address at Tezpur University’s World Press Freedom Day event, Vice Chancellor Prof. Shambhu Nath Singh, a former journalist himself, emphasized the indispensable role of a free press in preserving freedom. He remarked that freedom without a free press is merely illusory, cautioning that it might seem unrestricted but is actually constrained. Expressing worry over India’s declining Press Freedom Index, Prof. Singh highlighted the inseparable connection between development and press freedom, essential pillars of democratic societies. Drawing attention to Scandinavian nations excelling in both press freedom and human development indices, he underscored the correlation. Prof. Singh also noted the public’s high expectations from the media but lamented the lack of concern for their well-being and challenges.
Prof Farheena Danta, the Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, emphasized the importance of delivering well-informed news rather than focusing solely on breaking news. In her address, she urged the media to conduct thorough research in order to present diverse perspectives on various issues.
During his welcome speech, Professor Abhijit Bora, the Department Head, emphasized the substantial obstacles journalists face when gathering and sharing information on current affairs. Hence, it is crucial for media students to understand the diverse challenges encountered by journalists.
During the event, a book named ‘The Art and Craft of Journalism’ was unveiled. This book was written by Prof Joya Chakraborty, Dr Anjuman Borah, Dr Muktikam Hazarika, and Dr Tinam Bora from the Mass Communication and Journalism department. Additionally, the students of the department showcased their talent by performing a skit related to the event’s theme.
