ITANAGAR, Oct 04: The Arunachal Press Club (APC), on Saturday commemorated its 43rd Foundation Day with a solemn and spirited gathering at the APC office.
The event began with a heartfelt tribute as members observed a one-minute silence in memory of Biri Siroti Tana, mother of Eastern Journal video journalist Biri Tage and wife of Biri Roshan from Pakke-Kessang district.
Addressing the gathering, APC President Dodum Yangfo emphasized the urgent need for ethical journalism in the state. He voiced concern over the rising trend of plagiarism, warning that such practices not only undermine journalistic integrity but may also invite legal consequences.
“Plagiarism and copyright infringement are serious offenses. They devalue the original work and erode public trust in media,” Dodum stated.
He urged journalists to credit original sources and uphold the guidelines laid down by the Press Council of India (PCI).
“APC stands firmly against unethical practices. We encourage giving due credit to the media house or journalist whose report is being referenced,” he added.
Dodum also highlighted the importance of balanced reporting, especially in cases involving allegations. On the issue of defamation, he reassured that adherence to journalistic ethics offers protection against such professional hazards.
“One-sided narratives can distort public perception. Journalists must strive to present both sides of a story,” he said.
Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ), President Amar Sangno took the opportunity to reflect on the club’s legacy. He recounted the formation of APC in 1982, a year after APUWJ was established, and paid homage to the pioneers who laid the foundation for press freedom in Arunachal Pradesh.
“The APC was born out of the vision of three stalwarts, PB Dasgupta (PTI), A.K. Bhattacharjya (UNI), and Prem Bahadur Rai (Hindusthan Samachar),” Sangno shared.
He also recalled the first informal meeting to form the Itanagar Press Club, held at the residence of the late Lummer Dai, former Director of Information and Public Relations and editor of Echo of Arunachal.
“AK Bhattacharjya, the founding president of both APC and APUWJ, played a pivotal role in establishing the state’s first newspaper, Echo of Arunachal,” Sangno noted.
Sangno said that the celebration served not only as a tribute to the club’s rich history but also as a clarion call for journalistic integrity, collaboration, and respect for the profession’s foundational values.
