PANJIM: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday called upon media persons to improve and protect the image of Goa by writing authentic and accurate news.
Speaking as the chief guest at the National Press Day organised by Department of Information and Publicity (DIP) at Institute Menezes Braganza hall, Sawant lauded journalists for their zeal and passion and said “Journalism is not a job but a passion which is seen in some journalists not bothering about their financial security.
Stating that media plays an important role in creating awareness among people on various issues, he requested media to create awareness on cyber crimes as many Goans were falling prey to cyber defrauding.
Sawant also announced the government’s plans to build a Patrakar Bhavan or Press Room in the capital city in the interest of State within next four years.
Dr Sawant said that the Government is doing its best to make Goa Swayampurna Goem and bring the ‘Government to the people’s doorstep’ but added for its success, journalists need to write about these topics.
Secretary (Information and Publicity) Subhash Chandra, IAS, said that press plays an important role in promoting democratic values in society and hence should be unbiased.
On the occasion, the Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed on Cyril D’Cunha, a senior journalist in recognition of his dedicated services and immense contribution towards Journalism.
Former Dainik Herald Editor Rajendra Dessai, Herald Assistant Editor Vithaldas Hegde, Senior Photographer Arvind Tengse, Herald Senior Assistant Editor Peter De Souza and former Gomantak Editor Kishor Shet Mandrekar were felicitated for their contribution in the field of journalism.
The Goa State Journalist Awards conferred in nine categories for news items and articles published during the previous calendar years were given to the winners. Prize winners of the Goa State Photo contest were also handed over their awards.
Earlier, an interactive session was held wherein panelists deliberated on the topic ‘Impact and Influence on Media Reporting on Crime and Sensitive Matters’ wherein North Goa SP Shobhit Saksena, IPS; Goa Union of Journalists (GUJ) general secretary Vasudev Pagi; Times of India Assistant Resident Editor Murari Shetye, Electronic Media representative Laukik Shilkar; Photo journalist Sandip Naik and representative of COOJ Dr Peter Castelino a mental health foundation participated. The session was moderated by Goan Varta Editor Pandurang Gaonkar.
Earlier, acting Director of DIP, Kedar Naik welcomed the gathering and GUJ president Rajtilak Naik introduced the felicitees.
