National Press Day observed, State Journalist Awards distributed
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 16 2024: The Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Manipur joined the rest of the country in observing National Press Day, 2024 today.

A workshop was also organised as part of the event on this year's theme "Changing Nature of the Press" .

M Joy Singh, Commissioner, IPR, Dr Th Charanjeet Singh, Director, IPR and W Phajatombi, Additional Director IPR graced the function as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively held at the auditorium of DIPR complex, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.

Speaking at the event, M Joy 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 a democratic society.

It is also held to mark the establishment of the 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.

Noting the sensitive issues prevailing in the State, the Commissioner further urged media persons to maintain journalistic ethics, verify sources and publish only authenticated contents.

Dr Th Charanjeet Singh stated that the State Journalist Awards are handed over to commendable journalists every year on the basis of recommendations by an independent panel of judges.

The directorate initiated the award distribution ceremony in 1994, before PCI's journalists' recognition award was instituted in 2012.He added 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 disseminating news to the public, adding that the day is celebrated in recognition of their efforts.

He further thanked all those who attended the programme.

The State Journalist Awards, 2024 were conferred upon eight journalists from various media firms of the State.

Moirangthem Khagemba Meetei, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily bagged the award in Rural Reporting category; Laishram Kamaljeet Singh, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily in reporting on Public Health &Hygiene; Maibam Kenedy Singh, Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily in 'Reporting with Special reference to Women & Children'; Khangembam Rabikumar Meitei, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily in 'Sports Reporting'; Robinson Wahengbam, Staff Reporter, Sanaleibak Daily in 'Reporting on Arts & Culture'; Sapam Aruna Devi, Staff Reporter, Sangai Express in 'Reporting on Science & Technology' and Thongam Premchand Singh, Senior Reporter, Poknapham in 'Parliamentary Reporting'.

Ningombam Hemantakumar, Chief Editor, Sanaleibak Daily, was accorded the Best Editor Award on 'National Integration & Communal Harmony'.

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

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

The event concluded with vote of thanks by Tongbram Ramesh Singh, Joint Director (P&P), DIPR, Manipur.

Later, a workshop was conducted on the theme "Changing Nature of The Press", with Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Review of Arts & Politics as the moderator while Sobhapati Samom, Correspondent, The Assam Tribune and Salam Rajesh, Senior Journalist were the resource persons.

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