State Journalist Award conferred to Poknapham staffer Premchand
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, November 16 2024: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) joined the rest of the country in observing National Press Day, 2024 held at the auditorium of DIPR complex, Nityaipat Chuthek on Saturday A workshop was also organised as part of the event on this year's theme "Changing Nature of the Press" .

Poknapham and The People's Chronicle senior reporter Thongam Premchand Singh received the State Journalist Award in 'Parliamentary Reporting'.

The State Journalist Awards, 2024 were conferred upon a total of eight Journalists from various media firms of the state.

State Journalist Award conferred to Poknapham staffer Premchand

The other seven journalists are Sanaleibak Daily reporter Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei, who bagged the award in 'Rural Reporting' category; Sanaleibak staff reporter Laishram Kamaljeet Singh in 'Reporting on Public Health & Hygiene'; Sanaleibak staff reporter Maibam Kenedy Singh in 'Reporting with Special reference to Women & Children' ; Sanaleibak staff reporter Khangembam Rabikumar Meitei in 'Sports Reporting'; Sanaleibak staff reporter Robinson Wahengbam in 'Reporting on Arts & Culture' ; and Sangai Express staff reporter Sapam Aruna Devi in 'Reporting on Science & Technology'.

Sanaleibak daily chief editor Ningombam Hemantakumar was accorded the Best Editor Award on 'National Integration & Communal Harmony'.

Manipur Hill Journalists' Union president Peter Adani also received the 'Special Recognition Award', in appreciation of his contribution in the field of journalism, especially in remote hill areas.

The awards include a cash prize, a citation and a shawl each.

Speaking at the event as the chief guest, IPR /Arts and Culture commissioner M Joy Singh emphasised the significance of National Press Day, stating that the day is observed on November 16 every year, celebrating the importance of free and responsible press in the democratic society.

It is also held to mark the formation of Press Council of India (PCI) in 1966, he mentioned.

He asserted that the day is observed with an aim to acknowledge the contributions of the Press Council as well as to encourage journalists, striving relentlessly to disseminate news to the public.

Observing the sensitive issues prevailing in the state, the commissioner further urged the media persons to maintain journalistic ethics, verify sources and publish authenticated contents only.

In his speech, IPR director Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, who attended as the president, stated that the State Journalist Awards are handed over to commendable journalists every year, on the basis of recommendation by an independent panel of judges The directorate initiated the award distribution ceremony since 1994, before PCI's journalists' recognition awards from 2012, he informed He added that this year's celebration was held in a low-key manner in view of the ongoing situation in the state.

He highlighted the immense roles and efforts of journalists in reaching the news to the public, adding that the day is held in recognition of their efforts He further thanked all those who attended the programme and making it a success.

IPR additional director W Phajatombi attended the function guest of honour.

Poknapham and TPC senior reporter Premchand, the recipient of this year's State Journalist Award, holds a first-class degree in Chemistry (Honours) from DM College of Science.

With over 23 years of experience in journalism, he has made significant contributions in areas such as agriculture, health, science and technology, and women and child welfare.

Alongside his reporting career, Premchand is also an accomplished photographer, with his work recognised by various civil society organisations and the Department of Tourism.

His expertise in scientific reporting has earned him fellowships from the Central Agricultural University (CAU) and The Green Foundation Later, a workshop was conducted on the theme "Changing Nature of The Press", with Imphal Review of Arts & Politics editor Pradip Phanjoubam as the moderator, while The Assam Tribune correspondent Sobhapati Samom and senior journalist Salam Rajesh were resource persons.

A two-minute silence was also observed as a mark of respect to the three hostages including a woman and three children, who were found dead on Friday.