ITANAGAR, Oct 26: The media fraternity in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday paid tribute to veteran journalist and pioneer of electronic media, late Taro Chatung, on his seventh death anniversary, remembering his contributions to journalism and his commitment to fearless reporting.
The Arunachal Press Club (APC) and the Arunachal Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ) observed the anniversary at the Press Club here, while the Arunachal Electronic and Digital Media Association (AEDMA) organised a blood donation drive at the Ramakrishna Mission Blood Centre. The Ziro Press Club also observed the occasion.
Chatung died on October 26, 2019, following serious health issues. He was widely regarded as one of the pioneers of electronic media in the state.
At the APC observance, his wife, Taro Bina, daughter Taro Sia, and members of the press club and journalists’ union paid floral tributes to the departed journalist.
Bina thanked the two organisations for their continued support to the family and urged young journalists to uphold factual, unbiased and responsible reporting. She cautioned against yellow journalism and stressed the importance of prioritising accuracy over sensationalism.
APC general secretary Damien Lepcha recalled his association with Chatung and said the annual observance would continue to honour his contributions to journalism. He urged young journalists to draw inspiration from Chatung’s courage to speak out and question those in power.
Senior journalist Bengia Ajum, who had worked with Chatung, described him as a principled journalist whose legacy continued to inspire the media fraternity. He called upon younger journalists to carry forward his values.
At the AEDMA programme, Bina and Sia joined Chatung’s longtime friend, actor and director Hage D Apa, in remembering his contributions to journalism and local cinema. Bina thanked the association for keeping her husband’s memory alive, while Apa urged society to recognise Chatung’s contributions to journalism and public service.
Tana Opu, national executive member of the BJP Yuva Morcha, also attended the AEDMA programme with her team to pay tribute.
The blood donation drive sought to mark the occasion through an act of service to humanity. At Ziro, members of the local press club also paid tribute to Chatung and recalled his role in shaping the state’s media landscape.