Kalimpong Press Club Celebrates National Press Day and 26th Anniversary, Honours Press Freedom Martyrs

KalimNews, November 16, 2024, Kalimpong : The Kalimpong Press Club (KPC) marked a momentous occasion on November 16, 2024, with a heartfelt ceremony celebrating both National Press Day and the 26th anniversary of the club's founding. Held at the KPC office in Kalimpong, the event was organized in collaboration with the Eastern Himalayan Journalists Union (EHJU) and brought together journalists, media professionals, and local dignitaries to reflect on the club’s journey, acknowledge the sacrifices made for press freedom, and discuss the evolving nature of journalism.

The programme began with a solemn tribute to journalist martyrs who have lost their lives in the pursuit of press freedom. Among those remembered was Nirmal Rai, a reporter and photographer for Janpath Samachar, who was tragically murdered during the 1988 Gorkhaland agitation. Rai was beheaded, and his head was discovered hanging in Katherine Graham Park, Damber Chowk, on April 12, 1988. His brutal death remains a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in conflict zones. The gathering observed a moment of silence to honor Rai and other journalists who have paid the ultimate price for the free expression of truth.

Umesh Tamang, the programme conductor, welcomed guests and participants with a thoughtful address, highlighting that "Journalists are pathfinders," emphasizing the crucial role the media plays in shaping public discourse.

AK Rai, President of the Kalimpong Press Club, took the audience on a reflective journey through the club's history. He shared how the Kalimpong Press Club was founded in 1995 by a group of local journalists and initially organized as the Kaleybung Patrakar Sangh. Key members included Lalit Golay as president, Late B.K. Shilal as vice president, and Suman Gurung as secretary. However, this first attempt to organize the community of journalists remained dormant for several years. In 1998, a renewed effort led to the formal establishment of the Press Club of Kalimpong.

In 1999, the club was reconstituted with a full executive committee, including Late K.W. Molommu as president, Late B.K. Shilal as vice president, K.P. Gautam as secretary, and A.K. Rasaily and Anil Lopchan as assistant secretaries. Over the years, the club has grown in stature, establishing a two-story office building, providing essential facilities like water and electricity, and officially registering with the municipality for household tax purposes. President AK Rai emphasized the club’s role in both the journalistic community and in the wider social and infrastructural development of Kalimpong.

Arun Kr. Rasaily, Chief Advisor of KPC and President of the Eastern Himalayan Journalists Union, paid tribute to past journalists who played key roles in promoting press freedom in the region. He spoke about the changing landscape of journalism in today’s fast-paced digital world, stressing the importance of maintaining integrity and upholding the principles of truth while navigating the complexities of modern media.

Rudra Karki, Vice President of KPC, addressed the ethical responsibilities of journalists in today’s world. He highlighted the necessity of working within legal frameworks such as those set by the Press Council of India, and adhering to court orders and legal acts. Karki reminded journalists that while press freedom is a fundamental right, it must be exercised with a sense of responsibility, ensuring it does not harm national unity, security, or international relations.

Mani Tamang, Assistant Secretary of KPC, focused on the transformative impact of digital journalism. He discussed the expanding reach and influence of digital media while cautioning that it comes with its own set of challenges, including the rise of misinformation. Tamang emphasized the need for journalists to be vigilant and ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information they report, particularly in an age of rapid information dissemination.

K.P. Gautam, a founding secretary of the KPC, delivered the keynote address, offering a historical perspective on the state of journalism in Kalimpong. Recalling his experiences from the 1980s, Gautam shared how he faced threats from both political groups and the administration while working with Himalchuli. He recounted a particularly harrowing incident in 1982, when a political faction threatened to behead him, yet he managed to survive. Gautam reflected on the improvements in the safety and professional standing of journalists today, but urged his fellow journalists to remain resilient and adaptable as they navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving media landscape.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by DK Waiba Tamang, who expressed gratitude to all participants and underscored the importance of unity and collective action among journalists in advancing press freedom. The second session of the day featured a meeting of the KPC’s Executive Committee, where new members were granted membership, and discussions were held on organizational matters, including ongoing efforts to enhance the infrastructure and operations of the Press Club.

As the Kalimpong Press Club celebrates 26 years of dedicated service to journalism, its leaders reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding press freedom, supporting journalists' rights, and continuing to build a strong foundation for the future. With ongoing plans for infrastructural improvements, the club aims to further solidify its role as a pillar of the community.

In line with this year’s theme, "Changing Nature of the Press," the KPC and EHJU emphasized that journalists today are facing the transformative impact of technology, shifting audience behaviors, and new challenges in the media landscape. While adapting to these changes, the organizations continue to encourage journalists to uphold the core values of press freedom, responsibility, and ethical journalism.