Sikkim has seen rapid progression and maturity in journalistic abilities: Justice Wangdi

Homnath Dabari bags most promising journalist award, Arun Kumar Rasaily felicitated

Sikkim has seen rapid progression and maturity in journalistic abilities: Justice Wangdi

Staff Reporter

GANGTOK, July 17: Senior journalist Bijay Bantawa was today conferred with Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar in a function celebrating the ninth foundation day of Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) here today.

The Judge of High Court of Sikkim, Sonam Pintso Wangdi, who attended the function as chief guest handed away the citation, shawl, memento and a cash award of Rs 5001 to Bantawa, also the editor and publisher of Nepali weekly ‘Himgiri’. Bantawa has been into journalism for the past 35 years.

Similarly, Correspondent (Namchi), Samay Dainik, a Nepali daily, Homnath Dabari was given away the award for the most promising journalist of the year.

Correspondent of Siliguri based newspaper ‘Sunakhari’, Arun Kumar Rasaily from Kalimpong was also felicitated on the occasion for his unstinted contribution in the field of journalism.

While addressing the function, Justice Wangdi said Sikkim has seen a rapid growth in journalism in the past few years. “The maturity in journalism, which we have witnessed in Sikkim over the years indicate growth in the journalistic skills,” he said while urging the scribes to also lay stress on analysis and writing features besides reporting daily events.

Justice Wangdi also advised the journalists to write on social issues such as human trafficking, prostitution, domestic violence, juvenile justice, HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, Right to Education and others. The Judge of the High Court of Sikkim said this while referring on the responsibility of the journalists in disseminating correct information to the general masses in simple language understood by all and sundry.

The chief advisor of PCS CD Rai thanked the Governor of Sikkim for instituting an award in rural reporting. This, he added would ignite and inspire reporters to carry out their beat reporting in rural areas in issues that are part of the daily life in villages.

“The reporters should always be unbiased while reporting and should maintain the code and the ethics of the journalism,” Rai added.

Speaking on Right to Information Act, the guest of honour BB Gooroong said that the Act has become one of the vital tools of democracy in maintaining transparency. Gooroong, Chairperson of Social Welfare Board told the reporters not get manipulated by vested interests.

In his address, Bijay Bantawa dedicated the award to his late wife Kamal Ashu. He said obstacles and challenges should not be a hindrance to unify the journalists under any circumstances.

Homnath Dabari on the other hand highlighted the problems faced by District Correspondents due to lack of proper facilities. He also urged the reporters to be more rural centric rather than the capital centric.

Arun Kumar Rasaily said the recognition has made him more responsible towards his profession.

Earlier, the president of PCS, Bhim Rawat highlighted the activities carried out by the Club since its inception in 2002.

The chief guest also handed away the certificates to the participants of mountain biking during the observation of anti-drug day.