Published on: March 29, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Emphasizing the pivotal role of journalism in a democratic framework, Governor Ramen Deka stated that the media, regarded as the fourth pillar after the legislature, executive, and judiciary, must be further strengthened to remain credible and people-centric. Addressing the State-Level Journalists’ Conference and Felicitation Ceremony organized by the Chhattisgarh Journalist Union at SNG Auditorium, Sector-4, Bhilai, the Governor described journalism not merely as a profession, but as a mission and a form of dedicated pursuit.
He noted that as a mirror of society, journalism has consistently served as a vital bridge between the government and the people, fostering awareness and accountability. Prior to his address, the Governor felicitated journalists for their outstanding contributions. Among those honoured were women journalists Shagufta Shireen, Anubhuti Bhakhre, Komal Dhanesar, and Sakshi Soni for their exemplary writing.
Social workers including Sadhana Chaturvedi, Anjana Shrivastava, Lata Bauddh, Deepti Singh, and Sunita Jain were also recognized with certificates of appreciation. Highlighting contemporary challenges, Governor Deka observed that journalism is currently navigating a difficult phase. While the explosion of social media has democratized the flow of information, it has simultaneously led to a serious crisis of credibility.
Platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and YouTube have enabled virtually anyone to act as a ‘journalist,’ often resulting in the rapid spread of unverified information. Expressing concern, he pointed out that the rise of “fake news” and “deepfakes” has blurred the line between truth and falsehood. Despite these challenges, he acknowledged that print media continues to uphold its credibility.
The Governor stressed that to overcome these challenges, journalism must return to its core values and ethical foundations. “A healthy journalism is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy,” he asserted, urging media professionals to reinforce the integrity, reliability, and public-oriented nature of this crucial democratic institution.
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The event was attended by Chhattisgarh Journalist Union President Ishwar Dubey, Secretary Satish Bauddh, along with office bearers, Rajaram Tripathi, Prof. Sanjay Dwivedi, senior journalist Girish Pankaj, and a large number of journalists from across the state.
