77th Information and Public Relations (IPR) Day 2025 Celebrated in Imphal; Awards Presented to Short Film Winners and Retired Officials
The 77th Information and Public Relations (IPR) Day, 2025 was celebrated today with dignity and enthusiasm at the Auditorium of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Manipur, graced the function as Chief Guest. Shri Hungyo Worshang, IAS, Secretary (IPR), presided over the celebration, while Shri M. Joy Singh, IAS (Retd.), former Commissioner (IPR), attended as Guest of Honour.
In his address, Chief Secretary Puneet Kumar Goel highlighted the pivotal role of DIPR in strengthening democratic governance through effective communication. Calling the Directorate the “voice of the government,” he said the department bridges the gap between the administration and the people by ensuring transparency, accuracy, and trust in public communication.
He emphasized that a well-functioning DIPR is crucial in countering misinformation and fostering confidence in governance. He also cited recent achievements including the launch of the e-Gazette Portal on August 1 and the National Conference on Coordination with States in Media and Public Communication held on August 5 in Imphal.
The Chief Secretary lauded the RTI Week 2025 and the DIPR Short Film Competition for creatively addressing social issues through storytelling. He urged officials to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and credibility in every communication, while also using social media platforms responsibly and effectively.
In his remarks, Shri M. Joy Singh traced the history of DIPR and commended its long-standing tradition of felicitating retired officials, calling it a noble and exemplary practice. Presiding over the event, Secretary (IPR) Hungyo Worshang stressed the importance of collaboration among departments and between DIPR and the media in enhancing the State’s image.
Director (IPR) Ngangom Uttam, in his keynote address, reiterated that DIPR serves as a bridge between the government and the public, and proposed awareness initiatives such as “Think Before You Share” to promote media literacy and responsible use of social media. He reaffirmed the Directorate’s commitment to the government’s motto—“Reform, Perform, Transform, and Inform.”
The highlights of the event included the felicitation of retired DIPR officials and award distribution to winners of the Short Film Competition held under five themes—My City, My Responsibility; Say No to Single-Use Plastic; Support Don’t Punish; Unity in Diversity; and E-Challan Awareness. The ceremony also featured screenings of the winning films, followed by a traditional lunch.
Films directed by Devadarshan Gurumayum, Dinku Thingnam, Bonney Takhelmayum, Sorenzan Vashum, and Kshetrimayum Priyobrata Singh were honoured among the top five winners.
The programme saw the participation of several senior media persons and representatives, marking a successful and memorable celebration of IPR Day 2025.