Training workshop for media personnel organised by Haryana Vidhan Sabha
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Vidhan Sabha Speaker Harvinder Kalyan said the media plays a vital role in strengthening the democratic system. He said the Vidhan Sabha discusses issues of the public and converts them into laws, and in this process, the media acts as a bridge between the public and the legislature.
Kalyan was addressing the gathering after inaugurating a training workshop for media personnel at Haryana Niwas, Chandigarh. He inaugurated the workshop by lighting the ceremonial lamp. The workshop, organised by the Haryana Vidhan Sabha, aimed to brief media personnel about the finer details of the Assembly’s proceedings.
He said there is no limit to learning. No matter how high we reach, there is always room for improvement and learning. This workshop is not just a formality but is intended to ensure the active and constructive participation of the media in the progress of the nation and the state.
He outlined that impartial and responsible reporting on important aspects of democracy such as policy-making, budget reviews, and discussions on public interest issues is the duty of the media. Stressing the importance of factual accuracy, respectful language, and a positive outlook, he said the media’s role in guiding society in the right direction is extremely important.
Kalyan informed that the workshop will provide detailed training to media representatives on various technical aspects, parliamentary traditions, legislative procedures, and the use of digital platforms. Referring to the “One Nation, One Legislature” concept and Haryana Vidhan Sabha’s digital transition initiatives, he underlined the media’s crucial role in making India a developed nation by 2047.
Speaking at the workshop, former Chief Secretary of Haryana and retired IAS officer, Smt. Keshni Anand Arora, said that having a clear goal in life is essential. Without a goal, one is like a ship without direction. She identified diligence, positive thinking and inner happiness as keys to success, stressing the need to set priorities, adopt a balanced approach, and maintain an optimistic mindset in every situation. Sharing experiences from her tenure, she explained how challenges provided her opportunities to work at the grassroots level and how positive thinking helps overcome difficulties. She noted that while the media faces many challenges, these can be overcome through positivity.
During the session, Chakshu Roy and Yashika Kedia from PRS Legislative Research shared insights with media personnel on various aspects to be considered while covering Parliament and Vidhan Sabha proceedings. Chakshu Roy explained the nuances of legislative privileges, stating that if the Speaker removes any statement or subject from the House proceedings, covering it amounts to a breach of privilege. Similarly, if any document is published before being placed on the table of the House, it also constitutes a breach. He advised that media personnel covering sessions should be mindful of such aspects so that the public can be accurately informed about proceedings.
In the second session, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Professor of Hindi at Panjab University, said that media personnel must understand their limitations and work with honesty and impartiality. Using the example of press briefings, he likened them to a relay race where coordination is essential. He recommended that journalists study old documents to strengthen their technical knowledge before reporting on the legislature.
Senior journalist and Editor of Dainik Tribune Naresh Kaushal said the media’s role is multifaceted. Just as drivers must follow traffic rules, journalists—holding the “steering” of a pen or keyboard—must remain mindful of facts. He stressed the need for maintaining peace and harmony in society and likened the camera’s role to that of the journalist: both must follow certain rules while recording reality.
Senior journalist and Director of Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy Dr. Chandra Trikha said credibility is the most important ethic in today’s changing media environment. In the age of digital media, the language and style of presentation may change, but principles must remain intact. He advised maintaining balance and shared his experiences since beginning reporting in 1965, including covering Assembly sessions. Speaking about the growing role of AI, he emphasized the need to preserve credibility.