IMPHAL, Nov 16: 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.”
Shri M. Joy Singh (IAS), Commissioner, IPR /Arts and Culture, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, (MCS) Director, IPR and Smt. W. Phajatombi (MCS), Additional Director IPR graced the function as Chief Guest, President and Guest of Honour respectively at the function held at the Auditorium of DIPR complex, Nityaipat Chuthek, Imphal.
Speaking at the event, Shri 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 the democratic society. It is also held to mark the formation 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 the journalists, striving relentlessly to disseminate news to the public. Noting the sensitive issues prevailing in the state, the Commissioner further urged the media persons to maintain journalistic ethics, verify sources and publish authenticated content only.
Taking part in the programme, Dr. Th. Charanjeet Singh, 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 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 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.
The State Journalist Awards, 2024 were conferred upon altogether 8 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’. While, 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. Shri Peter Adani, President, Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union also received the ‘Special Recognition Award’, in appreciation of his contribution in the field of journalism, especially in remote hill areas. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Shri Tongbram Ramesh Singh, Joint Director (P&P), DIPR, Manipur.
Later, a workshop was conducted on the theme “Changing Nature of The Press”, with Shri Pradip Phanjoubam, Editor, Imphal Review of Arts & Politics as the moderator, while Shri Sobhapati Samom, Correspondent, The Assam Tribune and Shri Salam Rajesh, Senior Journalist were the resource persons.
(DIPR Manipur)
