In a significant address emphasizing the core values of journalism, Professor Dr. Kalyan Chakraborty, Minister for Science & Technology, Biotechnology, IT & Electronics, Food Processing Industries, and Horticulture for the Government of West Bengal, stated that journalists should execute their duties in a manner that shields them from adversity, even when there is a shift in the ruling political dispensation.

The Minister was speaking as the chief guest at a special event organized by leading private healthcare institutions to celebrate National Doctors’ Day.

The event marked the official unveiling and handover of the Press Privilege Circle Card to the members of the Press Club Kolkata. This healthcare initiative is a joint venture by three prominent medical institutions:

• Nephrocare India Limited
• Sampurna Woman Care and IVF Centre
• Vivacity Multispeciality Hospital

The privilege card aims to provide accessible and specialized healthcare benefits to the media fraternity in Kolkata, acknowledging their tireless service to society.

Following the ceremonial distribution of the cards, Dr. Chakraborty addressed the gathering of journalists and medical professionals. He emphasized that true journalistic integrity lies in neutrality. According to the Minister, maintaining a balanced and objective stance ensures that media professionals do not face professional hazards or political backlash when state leadership changes hands. His words resonated as a timely reminder of the media’s role as the independent fourth pillar of democracy.

The event saw the convergence of prominent figures from both the medical and media sectors. Sharing the dais with the Minister were:

• Dr. Pratim Sengupta, Founder and Managing Director of Nephrocare India Limited.
• Dr. Sutapa Sen, Founder of Sampurna Woman Care and IVF Centre.
• Sri Nitai Malakar, Secretary of the Press Club Kolkata.

The dignitaries expressed their mutual appreciation for the collaborative effort, noting that safeguarding the health of journalists is crucial for a robust and free press.

Priyanka Dutta