Agartala, February 14, 2026: The two-day biennial state conference of the Tripura Working Journalists Association (TWJA) commenced on Friday at the government-run Shaheed Bhagat Singh Youth Hostel in Agartala, bringing together journalists, media professionals and representatives of press organizations from across the state to discuss issues concerning journalism, media ethics and the evolving challenges facing the profession.
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| Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurates the TWJA Bi-Annual State Conference and Media Workshop in Agartala, felicitating participants during the event. (Image: x.com/DrManikSaha2) |
The conference was formally inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha in the presence of Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Tinku Roy. The inaugural session was also attended by Ananda Pulipalupula, National Secretary of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ), who participated as a special guest.
The biennial conference serves as an important platform for media professionals to exchange ideas, review developments in the journalism sector and deliberate on issues affecting working journalists. Participants from different districts of Tripura attended the event, reflecting the association’s broad representation of the state's media fraternity.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Saha acknowledged the important role played by journalists in a democratic society. He expressed appreciation for their efforts in keeping citizens informed and ensuring that information reaches the public in a timely and accurate manner.
“The role of journalists is vital in strengthening democracy. Through their work, they help promote transparency, accountability and public awareness. A well-informed society is essential for the healthy functioning of democratic institutions,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr. Saha noted that journalists often work under challenging circumstances to gather and disseminate information. He said the media serves as a bridge between the government and the people by highlighting public concerns, disseminating important information and contributing to informed public discourse.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of responsible journalism, ethical reporting and adherence to professional standards in an era marked by rapid technological changes and the growing influence of digital media. He said accurate and fact-based reporting remains crucial for maintaining public trust in media institutions.
Following the inaugural session, a media workshop was organized as part of the conference. The workshop featured prominent journalist Madhumita Datta, founder of the Indian chapter of South Asian Women in Media, and senior journalist Tridib Bhattacharjee of Madhyam.com. The speakers shared insights on contemporary media practices, challenges faced by journalists and the evolving landscape of news reporting in the digital age.
The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to engage in discussions on media ethics, gender representation in journalism, digital transformation, professional development and emerging trends in the news industry. Organizers said the sessions were designed to strengthen journalistic skills and encourage knowledge-sharing among media professionals.
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Representatives of the TWJA stated that the conference aims to address issues concerning the welfare of journalists, professional standards and the future of journalism in Tripura. Discussions during the event are expected to focus on strengthening the role of the media while addressing challenges related to working conditions, technological adaptation and press freedom.
The second day of the conference, scheduled for February 15, will feature the delegates' session, which will be inaugurated by Deputy Speaker Ram Prasad Paul. During the session, delegates are expected to deliberate on organizational matters, adopt resolutions and discuss future initiatives for the association.
A key highlight of the concluding session will be the constitution of a new state committee of the Tripura Working Journalists Association. The newly elected leadership will be tasked with guiding the organization over the next term and addressing issues concerning journalists across the state.
Organizers expressed confidence that the conference would contribute to strengthening professional solidarity among journalists and help foster a more informed, ethical and resilient media environment in Tripura. The event underscores the continuing importance of journalism in promoting democratic values, public accountability and informed citizenship in a rapidly changing world.
