NOB_Kamareddy: District Collector and Magistrate Shri Ashish Sangwan, IAS, said that the media plays a crucial role in creating awareness among the public about important government programmes, especially those related to social welfare and public safety.

He was addressing the ‘Vartalap’ Media Workshop organized by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) in Kamareddy. He said effective communication and media outreach are vital to take information and awareness messages about government initiatives to the wider public.

The workshop focused on two key themes – ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and ‘Cyber Security’

Speaking on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, Eagle Force DSP Shri Somanatham explained the harmful effects of drug abuse and stressed the need for greater public awareness. He called upon everyone to be a partner in building a drug-free society. Excise Superintendent Shri Mukund Reddy said that the media can play a key role in sensitizing youth, families and various sections of society about the ill-effects of drugs.

On Cyber Security, Senior Scientist from C-DAC Shri Jagadish Babu highlighted the need to enhance public awareness on cyber threats, online safety and responsible digital usage. He advised citizens to remain vigilant against cyber frauds and follow safe practices while using digital platforms.

In his opening remarks, PIB Joint Director Dr. Manas Krishnakant said that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organizing such programmes with the aim of reaching out to people in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and sensitizing them on important issues through the media.

Additional Collector (Local Bodies) Shri N.Y. Giri, PIB Media & Communication Officer Shri Shivacharan Reddy, media representatives and other stakeholders participated in the workshop and discussed ways to effectively disseminate government programmes and awareness messages to the public.