The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Chandigarh, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, today organized a media workshop, ‘Vartalap’, in Solan, Himachal Pradesh on the themes of disaster management, POSHAN Abhiyaan, horticulture, and women empowerment. The aim of the workshop was to foster meaningful dialogue between the government and the fourth estate, and to encourage the useful exchange of ideas on various dimensions of disaster management.
The workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner of Solan, Shri Manmohan Sharma. Addressing the media, he stated that disaster management is a domain where news reporting can often get unnecessarily impacted due to sensationalism. Appreciating the mature and balanced role of the Solan media, the DC said that media should also contribute to reassuring people that the government is active and taking measures during disasters.
He highlighted that effective disaster management benefits greatly from the support of the media. Citing the example of the Swachhata Abhiyan, he emphasized the significant role played by the media in ensuring its success. He added that while the media’s primary role is to hold the government accountable and bring unheard voices to the administration, the advent of social media has shifted responsibilities further, making it even more important for the media to act responsibly.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Solan, Shri Rahul Jain, underlined that since the implementation of the Disaster Management Act, Himachal Pradesh has faced several disasters but the loss of lives and property has considerably reduced. He said that the most critical role in disaster response is played by the affected community, but apart from response, media also plays an important role in raising community awareness.
He informed that the district administration has trained a task force of 2,000 youth volunteers, 200 ‘Aapda Mitras’, and 520 masons in earthquake-safe construction practices. Programs on safe construction models have also been conducted in schools. He reiterated that the media has an important role both before and after a disaster, and that its positive engagement can help reduce long-term disaster risks and minimize loss of lives and property.
On this occasion, Dr. Shifali Thakur, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, Solan, informed that under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, various varieties of fruits, vegetables, and flowers are being experimented with to reduce dependency on apples. Protected cultivation through polyhouses and greenhouses, as well as organic farming, mechanization, and supply chain development are being promoted.
She emphasized that horticulture contributes significantly to the Indian economy, promotes better nutrition, creates alternative rural employment, supports agricultural diversification, and enhances farmers’ incomes. As a result of the mission, production of fruits and vegetables in Solan has increased.
Professor Dr. Nisha Kapoor from Shoolini University elaborated on the ‘Swasth Nari, Shashakt Pariwar Abhiyan’ (Healthy Woman, Empowered Family Campaign), a landmark initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The campaign aims to strengthen healthcare services for women and children in the country with a focus on improving access, quality of care, and awareness. She highlighted that active media participation can significantly contribute to the success of the initiative.
Program Officer of the Women and Child Development Department, Solan, Shri Padam Dev Sharma, explained that the POSHAN Abhiyan is a mission-driven initiative targeting children under six years, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The campaign seeks to address malnutrition through a technology-driven, community-centric approach. He added that through annual initiatives such as POSHAN Maah (Nutrition Month), the focus is placed on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life to address issues such as stunting, malnutrition, anemia, and low birth weight.
Earlier, the Assistant Director of PIB Shimla Sanjeev Sharma outlined the objectives of Vartalap, emphasizing that it is a meaningful effort to disseminate welfare schemes to the public through media. On the occasion, Shri Ahmed Khan, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Chandigarh, gave a presentation on the functioning of various wings and units of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. He also conducted the proceedings and delivered the vote of thanks.
The workshop was attended by Assistant Commissioner of Solan, Ms. Neerja Sharma, journalists from Solan district, and students from Shoolini University, who actively participated in the deliberations.