Guwahati, March 16: The digital news portal Assam Focus marked its 10th anniversary with a large gathering and award ceremony held at the VCDC auditorium in Orang in Udalguri on March 15.
Speaking at the event, Shankar Borgohain, editor of the daily newspaper Dainandin Barta, said efforts are underway to encourage the emergence of 1.5 lakh journalists across Assam. He noted that such initiatives would contribute to strengthening the readership of newspapers while also encouraging journalists themselves to become regular readers.
Borgohain said he had attended the first anniversary celebration of Assam Focus earlier but had never seen such a large turnout before. Praising the Managing Director of the portal, Nova Kumar Deka, he remarked that the overwhelming public presence at the event demonstrated how the platform has evolved into a people-oriented media outlet that reaches households across the region.
Addressing concerns over increasing attacks on journalists in recent times, Borgohain advised members of the media to maintain professional distance while reporting sensitive matters. He observed that individuals involved in corruption often target journalists and warned that attempts to maintain friendly relations with such people can sometimes expose reporters to intimidation or humiliation.
The anniversary programme began with a journalists’ workshop at 9:30 a.m., followed by an open session and an award distribution ceremony. The celebration also featured vibrant performances of Assamese folk culture, including Bihu songs, Gogona and Pepa, which captivated the audience and invited guests.
The open session was chaired by Shivaram Bora. Delivering the keynote address, Montu Saikia paid tribute to renowned Assamese musician Zubeen Garg and noted that he had authored the first book on the artist. Saikia also reflected on the role of the media as the “Fourth Estate,” drawing references to the ideas of prominent thinkers including Voltaire and Edmund Burke while discussing the evolving responsibilities of journalism in contemporary society.
