Power talks & pork dreams: PIB’s ‘Vartalap’ in Kokrajhar blends policy, press, and public punch

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 24, 2025

Badminton, Ayurveda, pork production goals, and media power plays — Kokrajhar saw it all as the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Guwahati, in collaboration with NTPC Bongaigaon, hosted the regional media conference ‘Vartalap’ on Tuesday at the NTPC Township, Salakati.

Framed under the national theme “Viksit Bharat Ka Amrit Kaal – Seva, Sushasan, Garib Kalyan ke 11 Saal,” the event packed a punch with bold development visions, spirited discussions on media responsibility, and offbeat policy reveals like the Boroland Pig Mission, aiming for one lakh pork production per day in partnership with Denmark.

Wilson Hasda, Executive Member of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), kicked off the conference by highlighting BTC’s 26-community vision document and newly approved Community Development Department. He underscored initiatives such as mini stadiums, skill development with L&T and TTL, and BTC’s own green push—one crore trees under the Green Bodoland Movement. Hasda called on the media to shift from sensationalism to solution-focused storytelling.

Speaking as chief guest, MP Joyanta Basumatary praised the platform for facilitating dialogue and noted the government’s focus on clean energy, water access, and grassroots development. He credited the media with the power to shape perception and deepen democracy.

NTPC Bongaigaon’s Arnab Maitra emphasized the company’s commitment to clean energy and inclusive growth, spotlighting CSR projects like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, TB Mukt Bharat, and more. K.M. Prashanth, GM, NTPC, offered a comprehensive view of the power giant’s regional impact, from education to health initiatives.

The conference’s core discussion—“Empowering Amrit Peedhi & Youth Welfare”—brought together Robert L. Guite (ESIC), Ranjan Baruah (SEED Mission), and moderator Arindam Das (North East Live). The panel tackled job-linked training, social security awareness, and youth skilling with actionable insights. Baruah reported that over 30,000 youths have already been trained under SEED.

Guite detailed ESIC’s role in providing healthcare and security for the organised sector, noting major expansions in Assam, including the upgrade of Beltola Hospital into a medical college.

PIB’s Pavni Gupta addressed the risks of misinformation and the role of responsible journalism, while Dr. P.L. Bharati from the Central Ayurveda Research Institute introduced traditional medicine’s growing relevance.

The day also featured an Ayurveda camp that saw over 100 NTPC employees and journalists benefit from free consultations and medicines. Ankur Lahoty of DD Guwahati showcased PB-SHABD and the WAVES OTT platform as new tools in public communication.

Closing on a high note, participants received certificates, followed by a light-hearted badminton match between scribes and officials—a fitting finish to a day that mixed policy with play, and governance with grassroots grit.