By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Lack of development in the North Eastern region can be attributed not only to its remoteness from the centre but the emotional barrier is also another reason which separates the north east from mainstream India, Governor RS Mooshahary observed.
“If this emotional barrier continues to be perceived by the people of the region, then we will not be able to proceed and compete with the people in the mainstream”, Mooshahary said.
Addressing a gathering at the 21st anniversary celebration of the publication of Eastern Panorama – The News Magazine of the North East at NEC Auditorium here on Saturday, Mooshahary said that these emotional barriers can be classified as a sense of uncertainty and insecurity which persists in the minds of the north easterners till date. “However, when we compare the talents and potentials of the region in all spheres, there is nothing we should feel insecure about”, asserted the Governor while adding that it is the media which can allay this fear and highlight that there are opportunities for the people in the north east.
Labeling the media as a powerful estate which could contribute to nation building, Mooshahary said that the media can play a pivotal role in igniting a sense of belonging at the same time inspiring the youth towards nation building.
Further highlighting on the role of the media, the Governor said “The media plays a very crucial role in the society as it makes the people aware of their rights and responsibilities”. He however, pointed out its drawback stating that “Most of the time, the media focuses on the rights, rewards and entitlements of the citizens and seldom focus on the responsibilities of the citizens.”
In the process of generating income, Mooshahary observed that most media houses disseminate sensationalized stories which lack objectivity to attract the viewers and readers and with it, the journalistic ethics is lost.
“We need to strike a balance to ensure that objectivity, ethics, truth which is aimed at social good is kept intact while reporting facts”, Mooshahary said.
Earlier, Home Minister Roshan Warjri said that being the 4th estate, the media has an important role to play in igniting a constructive and healthy thinking among the readers’ and viewers’ minds.
Lauding the Eastern Panorama for its immense contribution to the region and the state in particular, Warjri said this magazine, which is tagged as the highest circulated magazine in the region, has for the past few years, portrayed the ground reality of the region. “The same reflects the leadership quality of the editor and the hard work put in by its associate editors and staff”, she added.
The Eastern Panorama also initiated its first ever Achiever’s Award Ceremony in which eight outstanding achievers of the North East have been honoured for their contribution to society who included– State Bank of India-North East Circle (Banking), SM Group-Assam (Business ), Binny Yanga-Arunachal Pradesh (Social Services ), Bharti Airtel-North East Circle (Cellular Services ), Tokiwaio Blah-Meghalaya (Social Activist ), Cement Manufacturing Co. Ltd-Meghalaya (Industries ), Thutyak Nunpuitu Team – Mizoram (NGO) and Neil Herbert Nongkynrih-Meghalaya (Music).
Eastern Panorama – The News Magazine of the North East, is a publication which was started by Dr. KK Jhunjhunwala way back in April 1992.