HL brings home largest share of scribes' awards
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 16, 2013 : As observed in other parts of the country to mark the foundation day of Press Council of India (PCI), the National Press Day was observed by Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Manipur at Manipur Press Club here today.

The presentation of State Journalists' Awards-2013 and a workshop on the theme "Role of Media in Serving Public Interests" marked the observance of National Press Day.

A one-time pension amount of Rs 10,000 was also given to ex-editor of Siknieng newspaper Lalhringliana Torell during the function.

The State Journalists' Awards, 2013 were conferred to eight journalists including three from Hueiyen Lanpao.

The Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (English Edition) Satyajit Usham was awarded the "Best Editor" for his editorials/news reports on national integration and communal harmony, while staff reporters Ratneshwori Goswami and Maisnam Karnajit of Hueiyen Lanpao were presented the State Journalists' Awards for their outstanding reports in the field of sports and health & hygiene respectively.

Each of the award carries Rs 25,000 in cash, a citation and a shawl.

State Journalists' Awards-2013

The other awardees were Taorem Bishwajit of Naharolgi Thoudang for rural reporting, Birmangol Ningomba of Naharolgi Thoudang for art and culture, Laishram Shamungou of Sangai Express for science and technology, L Keshonanda of Poknapham for parliamentary reporting and Th Richardranjan of ISTV for reporting on women and child issues.

Among all print and electronic media houses in the State, Hueiyen Lanpao bagged the highest number of journalists' awards this year.

State Journalists' Awards-2013

Speaking on the occasion as Chief Guest, IPR Commissioner Letkhogin Haokip said that press is the fourth estate of democracy and the journalists deserve honour and recognition from the Government. Delivering the key note address, IPR Director W Rajen said that the National Press Day is being observed every year to mark the establishment of Press Council of India (PCI) on November 16, 1966.The freedom of press and the social responsibility of press must be discussed at length on this day.

He further maintained that media persons must know their responsibility and refrain themselves from publishing paid news.

The DIPR itself is facing problems in disseminating information of State Government to the public from time to time, Rajen added.

State Journalists' Awards-2013

President of All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, who presided over the function, said that the State Government must upgrade the DIPR to a major department to enable to provide information and maintain good rapport between the Government and public.

As part of the observance a workshop on "Role of Media in Serving Public Interests" was conducted with former editor of Hueiyen Lanpao Salam Bharat Bhushan as moderators.

During the workshop, senior PRO of Manipur University L Saratchandra and news editor of AIR Imphal Dr A Ibomcha Sharma presented papers.

Dr Ibomcha observed that newsmen in media organizations do not necessarily operate from sets of principles, but from the opportunities presented by a broad concept-the public interest-that can be exploited sometimes.

He said that if the press is to function effectively as the watchdog of public interest, it must have a 'secure freedom of expression,' unfettered and unhindered by any authority, organised bodies or individuals.