The Kohima Press Club (KPC) celebrated its 25th Anniversary on the theme “Traversing 25 Years of Storytelling: Inspiring the Future” at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, on January 20, marking a significant milestone in the journey of journalism in Nagaland.
The programme was graced by President of the Press Club of India, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, as the Guest of Honour, who lauded the Kohima Press Club for commemorating its silver jubilee through meaningful engagement with journalists from across the Northeast. She described the celebration as a timely and reflective exercise for the profession at a time when journalism is facing unprecedented challenges.
Congratulating the KPC members for organizing the event seamlessly, Pisharoty noted that despite having a relatively small membership base, the Club has demonstrated exceptional dedication, unity, and professionalism.
Drawing from her over three decades of experience in journalism, Pisharoty said the profession has never been easy, but the challenges today are far more complex due to weakening financial models, growing corporate ownership, political interference, and the erosion of editorial independence. She warned that the increasing blur between journalism and public relations has weakened public trust and accountability.
Expressing concern over recent laws and regulations, including the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, she said such legislations have diluted journalistic exemptions and weakened the Right to Information (RTI) framework, thereby restricting access to information critical for public interest reporting.
Highlighting technology as both an opportunity and a threat, she said while digital platforms have expanded reach and speed, they have also disrupted jobs and created new vulnerabilities for journalists, particularly those working in smaller towns, who face legal pressure and institutional insecurity.
Calling for public participation in sustaining credible journalism, Pisharoty urged citizens to financially support independent media platforms. “Even a small monthly contribution can strengthen democracy and ensure journalism remains accountable only to the people,” she said.
As President of the Press Club of India, Pisharoty said her priorities include protecting journalists facing legal challenges, establishing legal support cells, organizing training workshops on technology and digital security, and building a federation of elected press clubs across the country. She invited the Kohima Press Club to join the proposed national federation to strengthen collective advocacy for press freedom.
She also highlighted the growing leadership of women in journalism in the Northeast, noting that the region has long broken gender barriers in newsrooms and press clubs. Acknowledging senior journalists such as Monalisa Changkija for their pioneering contributions, she said the Northeast continues to set examples in inclusive media leadership. She concluded by reiterating that only independent and credible journalism can safeguard democratic values, calling on journalists and citizens alike to work together to protect press freedom.
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Delivering the presidential address, Alice Yhoshü, President of the Kohima Press Club, urged journalists to draw inspiration from life’s many streams that nurture hope and resilience despite challenges, and to remain focused on the lifeline of truth and storytelling. She recalled the formation of the Club in 2001 and reaffirmed its commitment to ethical journalism, professional fellowship, and public service.
Former Vice President of the Kohima Press Club, Vibou Seyie, delivering greetings at the silver jubilee celebration, acknowledged the pioneers and visionary leaders who laid the foundation of the organization. She said the occasion was a time for introspection on the Club’s arduous journey—from holding meetings in small offices and government departments to becoming a strong institution with a permanent building coming up.
Expressing gratitude to God and the media fraternity, she said the press remains one of the key pillars of democracy.
Sharing nostalgic experiences from her early years in journalism, Seyie highlighted the challenges of reporting in the past and appreciated the growing participation and leadership of women in the media today. She congratulated the present KPC team led by the President for their achievements and encouraged journalists to continue upholding truth and ethical journalism, adding that the best was yet to come.
Earlier, a minute’s silence was observed in memory of deceased members of the Kohima Press Club.
The inaugural event was followed by the Northeast Media Conclave themed “Reimagining Truth: Northeast Journalism for a Changing World”, which brought together leading journalists and media professionals from across the region to deliberate on the evolving challenges facing journalism in the digital age.
The first session, “Evolving Nature of Media: Ethics under Pressure and Strengthening Credibility in the Age of Misinformation”, was moderated by Medolenuo Ambrocia Loucü of the Kohima Press Club and featured speakers Monalisa Changkija (Nagaland), Pradip Phanjoubam (Manipur), Geetartha Pathak (Indian Journalists Union), Karma Paljor (Sikkim), and Raymond Kharmujai (Meghalaya), who stressed the importance of ethical journalism and public trust amid the rise of misinformation.
The second session, “Journalism as Peace Work: Navigating Divides, Building Bridges and Strengthening the Media Ecosystem in the Northeast”, was moderated by Dhiren A. Sadokpam (Manipur) and featured panelists Vanlalrema Vantawl (Mizoram), Utpal Parashar (Assam), Ranju Dodum (Arunachal Pradesh), and Debraj Deb (Tripura), who emphasized the role of media in fostering peace, dialogue, and regional cohesion.
The conclave served as a platform for cross-border collaboration among journalists of the Northeast, reaffirming the media’s responsibility in promoting truth, accountability, and social harmony in a rapidly changing information landscape.
