Four TSE reporters receive State Journalists' Award
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 16 2017: Eight journalists, including four from The Sangai Express, were conferred the Manipur State Journalists' Award at National Press Day observance organised by DIPR at 1 st MR Banquet Hall today.

CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam; Commissioner (IPR) K Radhakumar; Director (IPR) Meghachandra Kongbam; Dy Director (IPR) Chongtham Noyon attended the programme as the chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

The major highlights of the programme were presentation of State Journalists' Award 2017 and a workshop on 'Challenges before the Media' .

Four TSE journalists who won the award this year are Chief Reporter (Political) Ahongsangbam Dilipkumar for Parliamentary Reporting; Senior Staff Reporter Laishram Shamungou for reporting on Science and Technology; Staff Reporter Sapam Arana for Women and Child Reporting and Mayanglambam Romen for Sports Reporting.

Other recipients of the Award are Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao Hemantakumar Ningomba (Best Editor on National Integration and Communal Harmony); Staff Reporter of Hueiyen Lanpao Ashem Babycha (Art and Culture); Sub-Editor of Poknapham Daniel Chanungbam (Rural Reporting); and Staff Reporter of Poknapham Ibomcha Yumnam (Public Health and Hygiene) .

Speaking at the occasion, CAF&PD Minister Karam Shyam said a State cannot achieve development if there is no free and independent media.

He said State journalists face greater risks compared to their counterparts in other States.

Stating that in conflict tom State like Manipur, it is difficult for media persons to carry out fearless and impartial reporting, the Minister said the Government recognises the contribution of journalists in discharging their duties as the fourth pillar of democracy.

Acknowledging the selfless service of journalists, Karam Shyam however said there is a need for a more active and neutral media in the State.

He also called upon All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) and Editors Guild Manipur (EGM) to continue with their efforts to serve the people of the State.

He said the Government, media and the common man must fight together to bring a positive change.

The Minister also called upon the journalists to continue to report news with accountability and adhering to ethics so that those involved in doing good service are not victimised due to inaccurate reporting.

K Radhakumar Singh, Commissioner DPR, in his presidential speech said that the State media is in a transition stage due to rapid modernisation.

Stating that the media require specialisation, K Radhakumar Singh urged the journalists to maintain objectivity in their reporting.

He also said the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is being strengthened not only in terms of infrastructure but also in manpower.

He also'said suggestions are welcomed from the journalists and media persons to further strengthen the department.

AK Sanaton, former president of AMWJU moderated the workshop on "Challenges before the Media." Resource persons of the workshop were Sunzu Bachaspatimayum, member AMWJU, Yumnam Rupachandra, secretary, Editors' Guild Manipur and Sothing Shimray, ex-president, Manipur Hills Journalists' Union (MHJU).

Officials and staff of DIPR and working journalists from both the valley and the hills attended the National Press Day function.

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