Complimenting the recipients of the Award, the Governor observed that the media is a vital organ and has an extremely crucial role in sustaining and strengthening democracy. He urged journalists to be detached, objective and fair and free from political biases while writing on sensitive issues and matters of public importance.
Governor urged the journalistic fraternity to powerfully project issues relating to corruption, misgovernance, poverty, illiteracy, safety and security of women and children, upliftment of the rural areas etc. and help the government to effectively disseminate development and welfare programmes as enhancement of awareness would benefit the targeted segments of the population and, besides, promote accountability.
Governor noted that if our print and electronic media works responsibly within parameters of positivity and productivity it can be extremely effective in spreading awareness and focusing critical attention on important issues. He said that journalists have an important role which they can play for building a bright future for our country.
Mr. Ashwani Kumar, President Press Club of Jammu, Mrs. Sushil Chhibber, Managing Trustee of Prof. R.K. Chhibber Memorial Trust spoke on the occasion.
Mr. Ved Bhushan Gupta and Mr. Zorawar Singh, Secretary General, Press Club of Jammu, presented the Welcome Address and a Vote of Thanks respectively.