Imphal, November 27, 2017 (DIPR): Chief Minister N. Biren inaugurated a two-day Inter-Regional Media Interaction Programme between Myanmar and India at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal today. Speaking at the occasion as the Chief Guest, N. Biren stated that the interaction programme had marked the beginning of a new chapter in the bilateral relation of the two neighbouring countries.
The programme would definitely bring about a deeper people to people connection, love and friendship amongst the people of the two great Nations, he observed. In a democracy, media should be strengthened so that it may play a crucial role in delivering good governance to the people and creating good civic sense among the masses, he added. Stating that during his last visit to Yangon in the first week of September this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mooted the idea of having a media interaction programme between India and Myanmar, the Chief Minister said that the two-day interaction programme was an outcome of the said historic visit of the Prime Minister.
Shri N. Biren said that he is glad that the two countries had agreed to encourage cooperation between the Press Council of India and Myanmar Press Council. This is the testimony of acknowledging the importance of the role played by the media in fostering ties and supporting democracy by the two countries, he said while that this would encourage exchange of ideas between journalists and promote better understanding in political and economic developments in India and Myanmar.
He further said that he has a firm belief that bilateral relations between the two sides can be enhanced through ‘people-to-people connectivity’ though giving emphasis to diplomatic channels is also equally important. The Chief Minister expressed hope that the media delegates would explore more about the potentials of the State during their stay in the State. Chief Secretary Shri R.R. Rashmi, Commissioner (IPR) K. Radhakumar and Convenor of State Level Committee for Actualisation of Act East Policy, R.K. Shivachandra also attended the function as dignitaries. Eleven media persons from Myanmar, two representatives from Press Council of India (PCI) and one representative each from Press Association, Indian Journalist Union (IJU) and Editor Guild of India and a number of renowned and senior journalists of the State are taking part in the interaction programme.
The interaction programme will have six technical sessions on different topics like ‘Cooperation and understanding in media and activities between Myanmar and India’, ‘Media Environment in Myanmar towards ethical responsible journalism’, ‘Free and responsible media in India’, ‘Media’s role in promoting India’s Act East Policy’, ‘Capacity building of media personnel in Myanmar and India’ and ‘Media’s role in promoting connectivity and trade between Myanmar and India’.
