The National Press Day Celebration 2023 with the theme 'Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,’ was organized on November 30th at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), Government of Sikkim.

Emphasizing the need to adapt to technological advancements, Chief Guest of the function, IPR Minister Mr BS Panth said that the Information and Public Relations Department has achieved significant milestones in adapting to the digital age and leveraging technology for effective communication, under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister. 

Minister Mr BS Panth urged the students and journalists to update themselves with changing times, keeping in mind the fast pace development in AI tools and technology. He assured that the concerns and the demands placed by the Press Club of Sikkim have been duly noted and shall be placed before the State Government.

The event also featured a talk on the theme ‘Media in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,’delivered by Mr Karma Paljor, noted Journalist and TV anchor. While acknowledging the use of AI in media and journalism, especially sports journalism, Mr Paljor stressed that AI technology can never replace humans as a journalist brings ‘soul’ to a story. The fear of AI technology overtaking human skills has always been there and it is somewhat natural to feel a sense of trepidation, however humans are still in control. He called AI technological advancements ‘evolution’ and ‘not revolution.’ While recognising the rise of AI in the media and entertainment industry, he said that AI cannot exist without humans monitoring AI. 

“The most important work of a journalist is to build relationships, AI is incapable of doing that. It is important to acknowledge that AI lacks the creativity, originality, and human touch that journalists provide,” he asserted.

Source: Sikkim Government website