Gonda: Better coordination and mutual trust among journalism, the police and society are essential for strengthening democracy, noted writer and scholar Dr Suryapal Singh said at a discussion organised at the District Panchayat auditorium in Gonda.
The discussion, titled ‘Coordination Among Journalism, Police and Society and Strengthening Democratic Values’, focused on the need for communication, responsible journalism and constructive engagement between the media, law-enforcement agencies and citizens.
Dr Suryapal Singh said journalists and police should not be viewed as opponents. Both have different responsibilities but ultimately work in the larger interest of society. While journalists are expected to raise questions and highlight public concerns, the police are responsible for maintaining law and order and ensuring citizens’ safety. Maintaining regular dialogue between the two, he said, is therefore essential.
The programme was chaired by UPJA Welfare Association state president Dr G.C. Srivastava, who stressed the importance of preserving the credibility of journalism and its connection with social concerns. He said healthy relations between the media and police contribute to a stronger democratic system.
District Information Officer Anil Kumar Singh said questions, disagreement and differing viewpoints are natural in a democracy. “A journalist has a responsibility to ask questions, but dialogue and balance are equally important,” he said, adding that public officials should also maintain communication with journalists. He provided information about facilities available to journalists and assured them of all possible cooperation.
Former LBS PG College professor Dr Shailendra Nath Mishra said journalists and police may have different perspectives regarding an incident or news report. In such situations, he said, dialogue is the most effective way to establish the facts.
Arun Singh, convenor of the Parsapur Vikas Manch, said communication is essential because the absence of dialogue increases distance, while continued interaction can open the way towards solutions.
Senior journalist and former DGC Revenue Ved Prakash Srivastava highlighted the challenges posed by social media, where information can reach large audiences within minutes. He noted that news and rumours are sometimes circulated before complete information becomes available, increasing journalists’ responsibility to provide verified and factual information.
He added that the police and administration also have a responsibility to place correct facts before the media and public in a timely manner and maintain communication with journalists.
Usman Bhai summed up the spirit of the discussion with the message: “Ask questions, but keep the dialogue open. While putting forward your point, listen to the other side as well.” He said this approach is a defining feature of a healthy democratic system.
The participants also discussed maintaining journalistic credibility, countering fake news and rumours, and strengthening democratic values. Speakers emphasised that journalism should not become a campaign against an individual but should focus on presenting verified facts and issues of public interest. They also called upon the police and administration to listen seriously to journalists and members of the public.
During the programme, UPJA state president Dr G.C. Srivastava, keynote speaker Dr Suryapal Singh, Professor Dr Shailendra Nath Mishra, former DGC Ved Prakash Srivastava, journalists PP Yadav, Pankaj Kumar Sinha, Maharana Pratap Singh Rahi and Neeta Singh, along with around a dozen other speakers, were honoured.
The programme was conducted by advocate-journalist Pramod Nandan and convenor advocate-journalist Ramfer Prajapati.
Former NUJ India member Anup Srivastava, UPJA state secretary Jagpal Singh, vice-president Manoj Srivastava, Viyogi Pankaj, Shailendra Kaushal, Awadhraj Goswami, Rakesh Singh, Girdhari Prajapati, Murli Manohar, Ravi Yadav, Saif and Dr Akash Srivastava were among the journalists present.
The programme concluded with Dr G.C. Srivastava expressing gratitude to the guests, speakers and fellow journalists.
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