Ukhrul, November 11: The Ukhrul District Working Journalists’ Association (UDWJA) celebrated its 30th Foundation Day at the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) Conference Hall, Ukhrul, marking three decades of journalistic service, collective struggles and commitment to bringing truth to the public.
The milestone celebration was not merely a commemoration of the association’s founding but also an occasion to reflect on the challenges, responsibilities and changing realities of journalism in Ukhrul district.
During the programme, Zaklei Kaping, who offered prayers for the association, described journalism as a calling from God, stating that journalists are chosen and called by God to serve society through their profession. He urged journalists to remain impartial, avoid bias and uphold truthfulness in their reporting, stressing that delivering the truth must remain the foremost responsibility of every journalist.
District Information Officer (DIO) Wungkhan R. Shimray, while addressing the gathering, emphasised the importance of remembering and respecting those who laid the foundation for the association and paved the way for future generations of journalists. He acknowledged the numerous difficulties faced by journalists over the years and urged the present generation to recognise the sacrifices and struggles of those who came before them.
Calling upon journalists to take an active role in community-building, Shimray highlighted the crucial responsibility of the media in informing society through the investigation, verification and dissemination of current news and events across print, digital and broadcast platforms. He also appealed to the public to extend support and cooperation to journalists in carrying out their duties.
Expressing concern over the media landscape in Ukhrul, the DIO observed that despite the growing number of news platforms operating in the district, the absence of a single regular print newspaper was a matter of serious concern. He stressed the importance of print media, particularly in maintaining formal documentation and records that could serve as references in official matters and government-related correspondence.
In his welcome address, UDWJA president Lestrr Makang expressed heartfelt gratitude to the former members and pioneers who established the association with the vision of bringing journalists together under one common platform. He acknowledged their contribution in creating an institution that continues to provide a collective identity and voice to working journalists in the district.
Makang also expressed hope that the association would continue to work closely with civil society organisations (CSOs), emphasising the need for mutual understanding, cooperation and constructive engagement in strengthening the relationship between the media and the wider community.
One of the pioneers of UDWJA, HA Sothing, reflecting on his years of experience in journalism, described the profession as one that demands hard work, dedication and honesty. He stressed that credibility is the foundation of journalism and that journalists must remain committed to their responsibilities despite the challenges confronting the profession.
Sothing further recalled that Ukhrul was among the early districts to establish a journalists’ association, adding that its initiative had inspired other districts, including Senapati, to organise journalists under similar platforms.
He also expressed concern over the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI), describing it as an emerging challenge to the journalism profession. He underscored the importance of human judgment, professional integrity and responsible reporting in an era where technology is rapidly transforming the media landscape.
The 30th Foundation Day celebration served as a moment of remembrance for the pioneers who envisioned a united journalistic platform, while renewing the responsibility of the present generation to protect the credibility and dignity of the profession.
The programme was attended by representatives of Tangkhul civil society organisations, former members of UDWJA, well-wishers and members of the journalist fraternity.
As UDWJA completes three decades, the occasion stands as a reminder that journalism is not merely about reporting events but about standing with truth, giving a voice to the unheard and preserving the collective memory of society. The responsibility entrusted to journalists remains significant: to question without fear, report without favour and serve the public with honesty and integrity.
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