India's first Citizen Journalists Meet held in New Delhi

New Delhi (8/21/2007): The first citizen journalism meet organised by Merinews as part of its effort to empower democracy through citizen journalism proved to be a resounding success.

Citizen journalists participating in the meet shared their views and ideas to take the country ahead into the next 60 years of independence. The meet which was primarily meant for CJs from Delhi and National Capital Region witnessed active participation from other parts of North India as well.

On this occasion, merinews announced the launch of a campaign to write the ‘Citizens Manifesto-A people defined roadmap of India till 2067’ which will be taken to every nook and corner of the country.

Initiating the meet, Editor in chief of Merinews, Vipul Kant Upadhyay, welcomed the citizen journalists and appreciated their contributions which have helped merinews in setting high standards in participatory journalism in India. “The idea behind this meet is to know each other better and to create a predictable relationship with each other,” said Upadhyay, adding that it was only the effort of the people which has boosted this initiative.

Announcing the launch of the campaign, he outlined the broad contours of the campaign and said that emphasis would be to discuss, debate and give possible solutions to the issues that India faces, going ahead.

Director, Editorial, Shefali Sagar, while speaking on the occasion, welcomed the participants and appreciated the quality efforts being put in by the citizen journalists.

One of the senior citizen journalists, Commander Sureshvar Sinha, while applauding the efforts made by merinews, said that there was a need for involving more people into participatory journalism so that grass-root issues are brought to the fore. “If you can do that only then will we be able to make a difference and the voice of the people of India would really be heard,” he added.

Prolific writer and contributor on merinews, Dr Shantanu Dutta was awarded as the Citizen Journalist of the month for July 2007. Dr Dutta has written a diverse range of articles on social, economic and political, national and international issues.

While speaking on the occasion, Dr Dutta asked the citizen journalists to emphasize on the backward and far-flung areas of the country particularly North East and South India.

Healthy debates on diverse issues among the participants ensued during the meet. A number of issues were discussed and many suggestions were made by the participants.

Concluding the proceedings, Director Operations, merinews, Anshuman Mishra thanked the citizen journalists for their valuable contributions to bring about a change by empowering the people of the country.