Shamikh Rais Siddiqui
Bahraich, February 8
In a candid address to local journalists, District Magistrate Akshay Tripathi, IAS, called upon the media fraternity to prioritize truth, responsibility, and ethical reporting, describing the press as a vital “mirror” reflecting the functioning of the district administration.
Speaking at a meeting organized by the Shramjivi Patrkar Union at the LRP Guest House near Police Lines on Sunday, the DM emphasized the media’s dual role. He acknowledged that the administration welcomes constructive criticism through reporting, as it exposes systemic gaps and enables timely corrective action. “Such coverage is essential for improvement,” he noted, underlining how honest reporting helps strengthen governance.
However, Tripathi cautioned against the growing trend of sensationalizing headlines solely to garner attention of the viewers/readers. He appealed to journalists to resist such practices and commit to ethical journalism that serves the broader public interest rather than short-term gains.
The event also marked a significant moment for the Shramjivi Patrkar Union, Bahraich, as Union’s incumbent president Sanjay Mishra was unanimously re-elected for an unprecedented fifth consecutive term. With no contest, all members present expressed unwavering confidence in his leadership, re-electing him unopposed amid applause and support.
The meeting was skillfully anchored by senior journalist Abdul Rahman, popularly known as Bachche Bharti. Prominent figures from the local media fraternity, including Bipin Chandra Agarwal, Hemant Mishra, Manish Malhotra, Azim Mirza, Parvez Rizvi, and many others, attended the gathering and shared their satisfaction with the seamless election process.
The proceedings concluded on a positive and unified note, with participants reaffirming their dedication to journalistic integrity, professional solidarity, and collaborative engagement with the district administration for the welfare of Bahraich. The event highlighted the mutual respect between the administration and the media, setting a constructive tone for ongoing cooperation.