Shillong, Nov 16: Along with the rest of the country, National Press Day 2018 carrying the theme “Journalistic Ethics in the Digital Age” was observed in Meghalaya at Shillong Club in the city today.
Organised by the Shilong Press Club and supported by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya, the observation was graced by Meghalaya Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K Sangma as Chief Guest in the presence of Information and Public Relations Minister, Shri. A.L Hek, who was the Guest of Honour at the programme, Director, Information and Public Relations, Smt. M.N Nampui, government officials, members of the press fraternity and others.
During his address on the occasion, the Chief Minister, Shri. Conrad K Sangma dwelt at length on the theme of the observance and laid emphasis on the importance of technology as a tool to communicate to the public on various issues.
The Chief Minister said that that there is a need to harness the opportunities that exists in the digital world today by all concerned and that there is a need to put in place proper policies, laws and mechanisms to ensure that digital information can be made more secure and cyber crimes be minimized to a large extent even as he stated that the government is taking measures in that direction.
The Chief Minister also congratulated the Shillong Press Club on its completion of 25 years and expressed hope that the members continue to work in the interest of the people and the state.
Meghalaya Information and Public Relations Minister, Shri A. L Hek in his address spoke about the important role that the media plays in building the society and the Nation as a whole. He also stressed on the importance of the responsibility of the media while discharging their duties.
During the programme, prizes for various competitions including cycling, carrom board and Futsal were distributed to the winners by the dignitaries.
Paper presentations on the topics “Cyber- Crime, Violations and Preventive Measures” and “Cyber Laws vis-a vis the Media” were given by Shri Christopher Rani, CEO, CR Projects, Shillong and Shri Ebenezer Lyngwa, State e-governance Mission Team, IT Department, Government of Meghalaya respectively.
Others who spoke during the programme include Shri David Laitphlang, President, Shillong Press Club who gave the welcome address and Smt. M.N Nampui, Director, Information and Public Relations who delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was chaired by Shri Powel Sohkhlet, General Secretary, Shillong Press Club.
Later in the day, as part of the celebrations, a friendly football match was played between Chief Minister’s XI and Shillong Press Club XI in which the latter won by five goals to one.
