Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday underlined the vital role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy, describing journalists as vigilant sentinels of society and the true voice of the people. Addressing the 17th Central Mid-Term Conference of the Assam Press Correspondents’ Union (APCU) in Tinsukia, he said a free, responsible and ethical press is essential for safeguarding democratic values in a rapidly changing information landscape.
Emphasising the importance of freedom of expression, Sonowal said the media carries a critical responsibility to uphold truth, credibility and accountability. He urged journalists to resist misinformation and sensationalism, and to prioritise ethical reporting that strengthens public trust. “Journalism must serve as a bridge between the government and the people, amplifying public concerns while promoting social harmony,” he said.
The Union Minister also stressed the need for constructive dialogue, coordination and consensus-building, noting that the media can play a decisive role in strengthening society through engagement rather than conflict. He said evolving challenges in journalism require continuous capacity building, professional integrity and adaptation to new technologies, while remaining firmly rooted in public-interest reporting. MLAs Sanjay Kishan and Bolin Chetia, senior journalists and other dignitaries attended the conference.
Earlier in the day, Sonowal participated in programmes in the Makum Legislative Assembly Constituency, where he laid foundation stones and inaugurated several welfare schemes. Interacting with beneficiaries of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship programmes, he said the government’s development model has ensured that benefits reach the last mile. He also engaged with local entrepreneurs, acknowledging their contribution to the region’s economic growth.
“Under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development has reached the grassroots, empowering beneficiaries directly and strengthening local entrepreneurship,” Sonowal said, adding that inclusive governance has transformed welfare delivery into a people-centric model driving both social upliftment and economic progress.
At Panitola, the Union Minister inaugurated a Senior Citizens’ Office Bhawan constructed under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) at a cost of ₹15 lakh during the 2024–25 financial year. He said the facility reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive development by ensuring dignity, accessibility and community engagement for senior citizens at the grassroots level.
Several local representatives and officials, including Makum Municipal Board Chairperson Archana Saikia, Dibrugarh Development Authority Chairman Ashim Hazarika, Assam State Housing Board Chairman Kushakanta Bora and district BJP leaders, were present on the occasion.
