IN HIS presidential address, Himachal Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal after launching the 'Himachal Aajkal' news channel of Tara Business Group at Shimla, stated that deterioration of moral values in all spheres of life was a matter of concern and added that media, which was watchdog of democracy will have to play a significant role in showing the way for others by bringing truth before the people.

Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister, Jai Ram Thakur, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister, Virender Kashyap, M.P, Suresh Bhardwaj, Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Kishori Lal Sagar, MLAs, (Rtd.) Major General C.M. Sharma, Chairman, HP Public Service Commission, Lt. Gen. Rajesh Kochhar, Chief of Staff, ARTRAC, Dr. D.S. Manhas, Director General of Police, Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of various Boards and Corporation and prominent persons of the town were present on the occasion.

While addressing the gathering, Chief Minister congratulated the Group for launching the channel from Shimla, which would go a long way in projecting the state's perspective. Dhumal said that the channel would also be instrumental in providing appropriate platform for the diverse cultural heritage in the state besides exposing virgin areas to the outside world. He said that Himachal Pradesh had emerged a role model of development and added that various TV channel and other independent agencies in their nation wide survey had found the performance of the state better in the country.

Chief Minister said that people had immensely contributed for the development of the state. He also lauded the role played by Dr. Y.S.Parmar, former chief minister for laying solid foundation of the modern Himachal Pradesh. He said that thereafter there was not return and the state progressed in leaps and bounds to emerge as a role model of development for rest of the country.

He expressed concern over the paid news. He said that neutrality in filing news reports had been an asset to the media which needed to be adhered to for winning trust of masses.

He said that Himachal Pradesh was land of gods and also land of warriors since a large number of youth were serving in the armed forces and serving the nation. He said that Major Som Nath Sharma, first recipient of Param Vir Chakra after India attained Independence in 1947 was also from Himachal Pradesh. He said that the state government had decided to include the patriotic and moral values in the school curriculum.

He hoped that the channel would respect the sentiments of the people and serve them with quality news and views.

Madhav Kant Mishra, Chief Executive Officer of the channel welcomed the Chief Minister and spoke on various aspects of the channel. Krishan Bhanu, Editor-in-Chief, proposed vote of thanks and assured Chief Minister that the channel would rise up to the expectations and aspirations of the viewers of the state.