National Press Day : 8 including TSE reporter get journalist award
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 18 2020: Eight journalists including The Sangai Express Staff Reporter Sapam Aruna Devi were awarded State Journalist Award 2020 on National Press Day.

Aruna Devi was awarded for rural reporting.

The National Press Day, 2020 was observed at the auditorium of the Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Manipur on November 16 .

Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Commissioner IPR M Joy Singh stressed on the importance of observing the day in commemoration of the establishment of the Press Council of India in 1966 .

He said that the observance was symbolic of the freedom of speech bestowed on journalists and its importance in shaping a society.

Acknowledging media's role of being a critic in bringing about positive changes in a society, Joy appealed to the journalists' fraternity to understand their responsibilities towards the society and continue to play a constructive role in the society building process.

Heisnam Balkrisna, Director IPR speaking as the president of the function highlighted welfare measures initiated and taken up by the department this year.

He said the department has increased the cash award for the Best Editor Award on National Integration and Communal Harmony to Rs 40,000 from Rs 25,000 .

Furthermore, pensions for journalists have been increased to Rs 8000 from Rs 4000 and family pension to Rs 5000 from Rs 2000 .

He further congratulated the recipients of the Manipur State Journalist Award, 2020 .

The Manipur State Journalists Award was conferred on media persons in eight (8) different categories-Editorials, news items and articles published during the calendar year 2019 .

Recipients of the Awards are Ningombam Hemantakumar, Editor, Sanaleibak for Best Editor, Khagembam Shanker Singh, Senior Reporter, Sanaleibak (Science & Technology reporting) .

Kshetri Meghajit, Sub-Editor, Naharolgi Thoudang (Parliamentary reporting), Ngangom Suraj Kumar Singh, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak (reporting with special reference to women and children), Maibam Kenedy Singh, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak (reporting on Art and Culture), Sapam Aruna Devi, Staff Reporter, Sangai Express (rural reporting), Khagembam Rabikumar Meitei, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak (sports reporting) and Angom Ranjit Singh, Chief Reporter, Poknapham (reporting on public health and hygiene).

The morning session was followed by a workshop on 'Role of Media during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on Media' in the afternoon session.

Dr A Ibomcha Sharma, Head of Office, Regional Outreach Bureau Imphal moderated the workshop while Salam Chingkehinganba, Sub-Editor, The People's Chronicle and member All Manipur Working Journalists' Union, Yumnam Rupachandra, Chief Editor Impact TV, and Ramkung Pamei, Editor, The Cham and president Manipur Hill Journalists Union (MHJU) presented papers as resource persons.

Joy also administered a pledge to follow Covid Appropriate Behaviours during the function which was conducted with strict observance of COVID-19 SOPs.

Officers and staff of DIPR, eminent media persons of the State and others attended the function.

It may be mentioned that this year a selection committee comprising of a panel of judges/jury members appointed by the Government was also constituted for the selection of awardees.

The panel of judges included experts from different fields including journalism, literature (nominated by State Kala Akademi), subjects concerned/categories headed by a chairman.

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