The Kohima Press Club (KPC) on Tuesday marked its silver jubilee with a valedictory program, highlighting 25 years of service to journalism in Nagaland, even as issues of transparency, ethics, and the future of media took centre stage. The CM also unveiled the commemorative plaque of 25th Anniversary of Kohima Press Club.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr Neiphiu Rio congratulated the Kohima Press Club on reaching the milestone, stating that its journey mirrors the evolution of journalism in the state and underscores the media’s role as the fourth pillar of democracy.
“The media in Nagaland has struggled to survive due to the state’s troubled history and lack of industrial development. Many newspapers have died off, and many publishers have faced immense hardship,” Dr Rio said. Despite these challenges, he noted that the Kohima Press Club has emerged as a strong and respected institution committed to ethical reporting, professional solidarity, and responsible storytelling.
The Chief Minister commended KPC’s initiatives such as the Kohima Press Club Impact Journalism Award and the KPC Nagaland Building and Hardware Construction Workers’ Welfare Award, stating that they encourage people-centric and in-depth journalism while giving voice to marginalised sections of society.
Rio stressed the vital role of journalism in shaping informed public discourse and contributing to constructive development, urging journalists to remain committed to truth and sensitivity toward societal needs. He also appreciated the organisation of the Northeast Media Conclave, calling it a timely and forward-looking initiative to equip journalists for emerging challenges and reinforce credibility, responsibility, and integrity in journalism.
Expressing happiness over the participation of journalists and guest speakers from across the region, including the President of the Press Council of India, the Chief Minister wished the Kohima Press Club unity, wisdom, and continued success.
Earlier, KPC President Alice Yhoshü, in her presidential address, lauded Dr. Rio for his continued support to the press fraternity, including assistance in the construction of the KPC building and the extension of the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme for journalists. However, she also raised concerns over what she described as a growing culture of information dissemination through PRO channels, cautioning that it does not promote transparency.
As part of the silver jubilee celebrations, the Northeast Media Conclave was held earlier in the day in two sessions. The first session, themed “Reimagining Truth: Northeast Journalism for a Changing World,” focused on the evolving nature of media, ethics under pressure, and strengthening credibility in the age of misinformation. Moderated by Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü of KPC, the panel featured Monalisa Changkija (Nagaland), Pradip Phanjoubam (Manipur), Geetartha Pathak (Indian Journalists Union), Karma Paljor (Sikkim), and Raymond Kharmujai (Meghalaya).
The second session, themed “Journalism as Peace Work: Navigating Divides, Building Bridges and a Stronger Media Ecosystem for the Northeast,” was moderated by Dhiren A Sadokpam of Manipur. Speakers included Vanlalrema Vantawl (Mizoram), Utpal Parashar (Assam), Ranju Dodum (Arunachal Pradesh), and Debraj Deb (Tripura) who deliberated on the role of journalism in making peace and regional understanding.