KATHMANDU: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Parbat Gurung has asserted that the media persons should play an important role to take forward the country on the right track.

Inaugurating the 21st annual general assembly of the Film Journalists Association Nepal here today, Minister Gurung urged the journalists to work in such a way that it would herald progressive changes in the country.

Appealing the journalists to focus on disseminating the news sending positive messages to society, Gurung said that the journalists should play an effective role to help develop a positive mental attitude in society.

Furthermore, he denounced the tendency of hailing the party or organization when one is associated with it and reaping the benefits, and denouncing it when s/he quits it.

The Minister also expressed his happiness over the expanding scope of the media sector and pointed out the need to protect and run the organization smoothly once the organization is established.

On the occasion, Minister Gurung launched the Welfare Fund introduced by the Association. The Association has initiated setting up a revolving fund worth Rs 2 million.

The event also saw honoring for founder presidents and former presidents of the Association by the Minister. They were Bidur Giri, Shanti Priya and Sandip Sapkota.

Present on the occasion were Federation of Nepali Journalists’ secretary Prakash Thapa, Film Development Board Chairperson Dayaram Dahal, Nepal Press Union general-secretary Ajayababu Siwakoti, and cine artists among others who extended their best wishes to the Association’s annual general meeting.