By Tsering Dhundup
DHARAMSHALA, May 4: Marking the world press freedom day, the Association of Tibetan Journalists (ATJ), a collective of Tibetan journalists working in exile organised a panel discussion on the state of media in Tibet and in exile, here in the capital of the exile Tibetan diaspora on Friday.
The spokesperson pf the Central Tibetan Administration Tenzin Lekshey graced the occasion as the chief guest, while fellow panellist Tenzin Pardon, the editor-in-chief of the Tibetan exile media house, Voice of Tibet, was honoured for her remarkable 25-year service as a journalist. Kalsang Jinpa, The president of ATJ also joined the panel.
The panel delved into the challenges of disseminating news from Tibet as well as working condition and access for journalists in exile. Tenzin Lekshey fielded questions from fellow journalists regarding the hurdles faced in gathering information from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and CTA officials. In response, Lekshey acknowledged the constraints imposed by CTA rules but urged a concerted effort to explore alternative avenues for information gathering.
The longest serving Tibetan journalist in exile, Tenzin Peldon said that authorities both in governmental and non-governmental organisations must see the press as an ally and collaborate with them in regards to access and transparency for a robust functioning of the society.
Kalsang Jinpa, in his address, drew attention to the grim realities faced by journalists globally, highlighting that since the inception of World Press Freedom Day in 1993, 1668 journalists have lost their lives, with 127 journalists apprehended in China alone.
ATJ is a Tibetan organization in exile, that was founded in 1997 in Dharamsala, India. The organization’s stated mission is to facilitate free, fair and accurate delivering of information regarding activities relating to the Tibetan community, both within and outside of Tibet. To function as a monitoring agency of the Tibetan Government in Exile, regarding the democratic processes implemented. And to ensure the welfare and professional indemnity of Tibetan journalists within their professional jurisdiction.
Press Freedom Day, also called World Press Freedom Day, was started by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a proposal adopted at the UNESCO’s General Conference in 1991. The Windhoek Declaration on promoting an Independent and Pluralistic African Press, adopted in Windhoek, Namibia, in 1991, was celebrated on May 3. This statement focused on the significance of a free, independent, and pluralistic press as a fundamental part of democracy and development.
The theme of the World Press Freedom Day changes every year. “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis” is the theme of World Press Freedom Day 2024.
One Response
The freedom of press is extremely important for proper functioning of a democratic society. The American founding fathers and presidents, with exception of one, have recognized the role of free press in the democratic society. President John F. Kennedy said, “Freedom of the press is not just important, it is imperative for a functioning democracy.” Thomas Jefferson said, “The ability of a free and independent press to hold political leaders accountable is what makes open government possible — it is the heartbeat of democracy.”
A free press is one of the pillars of democracy, and recognizing the importance of the role of free press, Thomas Jefferson said, “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”
US 30th president Calvin Coolidge said on the importance of free press: “The freedom of the human mind is recognized in the right to free speech and free press.