A total of 37 journalists from Sikkim successfully completed an intensive three-day training course on Sunday, September 15, at the Sikkim Cooperative Union premises in Assam Lingzey, Pakyong District. The training aimed to sharpen journalistic skills and tackle the evolving challenges of media in the digital era.
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting independent journalism. He stressed the importance of a robust fourth pillar of democracy, particularly in the fight against misinformation. “The more journalists work independently, the happier we will be,” Subba stated, highlighting the enduring relevance of print media.
The final day’s sessions included a focus on key topics such as reporting on women and child issues, led by Yousa Lachenpa from the Sikkim State Women Commission, and the role of Nepali language journalism in the digital age, discussed by former West Bengal legislator Harka Bahadur Chettri. Pema Wangchuk, consulting editor of Summit Times, explored editorial independence and its influence on public opinion.
The event concluded with a panel discussion by media experts, including Dr. Mrinal Chatterjee, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, who also launched his book Understanding Media in New Normal Times.
