Biratnagar, March 30: A newly constructed building of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Province 1 Committee has been inaugurated here today.    

Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Hikmat Kumar Karki, Mayor of Biratnagar metropolitan city, Bhim Parajuli, and FNJ Central President, Govinda Acharya, jointly inaugurated the building.    

Biratnagar metropolitan city had provided land worth more than Rs 10 million free of cost for the construction of the two-storey building at Biratnagar metropolitan city-5. The province 1 government had also provided Rs 7.6 million for the same.    

On the occasion, a book 'Mero Patrakarita (My Journalism)' published by FNJ Province 1 Committee was unveiled. Similarly, 30 journalists including Lokraj Dhakal, Govinda Chandra Chhetri, Krishna Adhikari, and Kaushal Chemjong were honoured for their contribution to the journalism sector over 30 years.    

Saying the role of journalists is significant in the implementation of the constitution and federalism, Chief Minister Rai said that even greater role of media persons was necessary to complete the journey of prosperity and development.    

He suggested using FNJ for professional welfare, not as the centre of political devotion, adding it would be difficult to complete the journey of prosperity and development without long-lasting peace and good governance.    

Similarly, Minister Karki expressed the view that journalism, which is the important organ of society, should be based on truth. Stating that the journalism sector should not be underestimated in the journey of prosperity and development, he added that this sector has been significantly contributing to resolving the challenges and problems of society.    

Minister Karki laid emphasis on the need for journalists to manage professional unity, suggesting that journalism should be practised based on the truth and reality of the country, not as per the direction and order of political parties.    

FNJ President Acharya opined that the journalism profession should be honest in order to make the government accountable and spread awareness in society.    

Likewise, Mayor Parajuli said that the newly constructed building would be a milestone for the development of the journalism sector and professional welfare, adding that it would be the strength for investigative journalism.