Media plays an important role in creating and shaping the public opinion and strengthening the society. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the prize distribution function of two day Inter-States Press Club Cricket Tournament held by the Shimla Press Club here today.The Chief Minister said that media has capability to give new direction to the society, thus the role of journalists becomes far more important than other professions. He said that in the present era of information technology, the reach and impact of media has also increased manifold and becomes the duty to media to come up to the expectations of the masses to win the credibility.Jai Ram Thakur appreciated the efforts of Shimla Press Club for organizing various social activities for welfare of the society. He said that the state government has always maintained cordial relations with the journalists. He urged the journalists to give appropriate space to the developmental stories and welfare schemes initiated by the state government.
The Chief Minister while welcoming the winning Shimla Press Club team said that such sports activities organized by the Press Club provides much needed leisure time to the otherwise over busy journalists.Teams of Chandigarh Press Club, Uttrakhand Press Club Dehradun and Shimla Press Club participated in the event.The final match was played between Shimla Press Club and Chandigarh Press Club in which Shimla Press Club won by one wicket.He also inaugurated the gym in Shimla Press Club.Chief Minister gave prizes to the members of Shimla Press Club Team.President, Shimla Press Club Dhanjaya Sharma honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him shawl, cap and memento.General Secretary Anil Hadley welcomed the Chief Minister and senior journalist Vijay Puri presented the vote of thanks.Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Rohit Saval, Director, Information and Public Relations Anupam Kashyap and other senior journalists were present on the occasion among others.