Imphal: The 76th Information & Public Relations (IPR) Day was commemorated on Friday at a ceremony held in the Directorate Auditorium at Nityaipak Chuthek, Imphal.
Addressing the event as the Chief Guest, IPR Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh emphasized the significant role of the Directorate, noting that while it may not be a large department, it is crucial for sharing information on government programs aimed at public welfare.
Dr. Ranjan acknowledged that human error is inevitable but stressed the importance of minimizing mistakes before releasing news, as inaccurate information can mislead the public. He encouraged efforts to prevent misinterpretations and fostered the need for close coordination between the IPR and the media to deliver effective public service. He also highlighted the vital role of media collaboration, noting that the IPR cannot effectively communicate government initiatives without stakeholder support.
Dr. Ranjan further encouraged media professionals to maintain high standards of accuracy and suggested increased coverage of global issues, particularly environmental concerns like global warming, to raise awareness. He also shared updates on recent welfare initiatives for journalists in Manipur and welcomed feedback to improve the Directorate’s services.
Commissioner M. Joy Singh highlighted the Directorate’s progress over the years, attributing its advancements to strong partnerships with the media. He also discussed various welfare schemes for journalists and underscored the value of the event in fostering interaction between current and former Directorate employees and media professionals.
In his keynote address, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, Director of IPR, recalled the Directorate’s history as the former Publicity Office and its mission to promote peace and harmony in the state. He emphasized IPR’s role in linking the public with the government and called on the media to support the timely circulation of accurate news, particularly in the current state context.
A commemorative booklet was released during the event, and three Directorate officials were honored for their exemplary service. The family of R.K. Maipaksana, the Directorate’s first Publicity Officer, received a citation and shawl in his memory.
The celebration also saw the attendance of retired Directorate officials who were presented with tokens of appreciation. Media representatives, Directorate officers, and district officials participated in the ceremony, reflecting on the Directorate’s continued dedication to public engagement and transparency.
