Gangtok, Apr 7 (IPR): Two-daylong workshop on Sensitive & Responsible Reporting for Mental Health Promotion for Media Personnel on the theme “Mindful Media: Covering Crisis with Care & Compassion” commenced today at a local hotel in Gangtok.
Organised jointly by the Press Club of Sikkim and Sikkim INSPIRES, the inaugural session was attended by Deputy Speaker, Sikkim Legislative Assembly, Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, as chief guest.
The Deputy Speaker was accompanied by Chairman, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Ashit Rai, Chairperson, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), Mr Lokendra Rasaily, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Ms Annapurna Alley, Press Secretary to the HCM, Mr Yougan Tamang, Program Director, Sikkim INSPIRES, Ms Rohini Pradhan, and General Secretary, Press Club of Sikkim, Mr DR Dulal, on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Speaker, SLA, Ms Raj Kumari Thapa, highlighted the significance of the Sikkim INSPIRES programme in driving holistic development across all six districts of the state, with mental health emerging as a key priority area. She stated that awareness on mental health must begin at the grassroots level, enabling communities to better understand and respond to such issues.
Highlighting the vital role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy and a mirror of society, she stated that information disseminated through media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and influencing mindsets.
She further added that responsible and positive reporting can significantly help in reducing social stigma associated with mental health, while cautioning that the choice of words and nature of content carry deep consequences, often overlooked.
Stressing the need for sensitivity and clarity of intent, she urged media professionals to approach such issues with responsibility and compassion.
Expressing gratitude to Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for prioritising mental health and supporting such initiatives in the state, she encouraged participants to actively engage with resource persons, deliberate on the subject, and contribute towards effective implementation of the learnings in the state.
Chairperson, STDC, Mr Lokendra Rasaily, while addressing the workshop, said that mental health is not gender biased and affects all sections of society.
Referring to the media as the “custodian of society,” he cautioned against the growing trend of chasing TRPs and views, particularly in the age of AI-generated and unverified content.
He stressed that irresponsible dissemination of information, especially on social media, can adversely influence young minds and society at large, and called upon media professionals to uphold accuracy, responsibility, and ethical standards in reporting.
Secretary, IPR, Ms Annapurna Alley, said that crisis reporting, particularly on mental health and suicide, requires both professional integrity and human sensitivity.
Media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding, she added, and urged journalists to adopt responsible, non-sensational and compassionate reporting practices.
Highlighting the need to respect dignity and avoid triggering content, she added that the media must not only inform but also contribute to awareness, support, and healing.
She further reiterated the commitment of the IPRD to support such initiatives, adding that the department will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to promote responsible journalism.
The session was also addressed by Press Secretary to the HCM, Mr Yougan Tamang, wherein he acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for prioritising mental health in Sikkim, and highlighted the significance of the Sikkim Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2030 as a progressive and timely initiative.
He called upon the media to play a responsible and compassionate role in amplifying awareness and ensuring sensitive reporting on mental health and suicide.
Project Director, Sikkim INSPIRES, Ms Rohini Pradhan, while presenting an overview of the Sikkim Integrated Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy 2025-2030, stated that the initiative, launched on 16 May last year, is a first-of-its-kind, result-oriented framework developed in collaboration with Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Pune through an extensive consultative process.
Highlighting that the Strategy is embedded under the Sikkim INSPIRES programme supported by the World Bank, she said it adopts a results-based approach, linking outcomes with implementation.
Citing baseline findings indicating significant mental health concerns, she stressed the urgency of integrating mental health into development efforts.
Acknowledging the leadership of the Chief Minister, she reiterated the state government’s commitment to addressing sensitive issues and fostering an enabling environment for open dialogue.
She further asserted that the focus must now shift from policy to action, with coordinated efforts on a war footing to combat the growing mental health challenge.
Noting media as a key stakeholder, she called for responsible, sensitive reporting to reduce stigma, promote awareness, and support effective implementation of the Strategy.
The vote of thanks for the inaugural session was proposed by Assistant Director, Sikkim INSPIRES, Ms Roshnila Gurung.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by General Secretary, PCS, Mr DR Dulal, who remarked that the workshop’s commencement on World Health Day adds to its significance.
This was followed by a technical session moderated by Senior Independent Journalist and Media Academic, Dr Snehasis Sur, focusing on responsible and compassionate reporting of suicide and mental health issues.
The session highlighted ethical norms in suicide reporting, the media’s role as a partner in prevention, and the importance of informed, sensitive coverage. It also discussed the contrasting impacts of the Werther Effect (negative influence of sensational reporting) and the Papageno Effect (positive influence of responsible storytelling), while reflecting on Sikkim’s efforts and the need for greater awareness among journalists.
The opening day concluded with an introductory session led by Ms Amiti Varma and Ms Tanya Fernandes from the Centre for Mental Health Law & Policy, Pune, wherein the duo provided participants with a detailed walkthrough of the two-day agenda, setting the stage for more intensive practical exercises.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK