GANGTOK, : Subash Rai, a sub-editor at Summit Times, received ‘Kanchenjunga Kalam Puraskar 2024’ during the 22nd Foundation Day celebration of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) at Manan Kendra here. The 'Laganshil Yuva Patrakar Puraskar' for promising young journalists was awarded to two journalists this year – freelance journalist Nitesh Pradhan and Sikkim Chronicle reporter Suben Pradhan.
Veteran journalist Kamal Mukhia, editor of Nepali newspaper ‘Janmanch’, was felicitated for his contributions to journalism in Sikkim. Local newspaper vendors Kazi Budathoki, Kuber Basnet, Ashok Oberoi and Bhim Bahadur Rai were also recognized.
Additionally, PIB official Shovan Kumar Mitra, who was instrumental in developing PIB press releases in Nepali language, and architect Kiran Rasaily, who has aided Press Club of Sikkim and Journalist Union of Sikkim in their time of need, were also honoured on the occasion.
The awards were handed over by Chief Minister P.S. Golay in the presence of cabinet ministers, MLAs, government officials, Army and Police personnel, representatives of various organizations, dignitaries and journalists.
In his address, Chief Minister Golay praised the crucial role of journalists in society. He emphasized their importance in disseminating information and being the voice of the voiceless.
Golay also acknowledged the challenges journalists face and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the journalism profession.
“We were aware of the challenges journalists face even before we came into power. Under our government, we have extended support for the welfare and development of journalism in the State. We have ensured freedom of the press and understand that sometimes negative reports are necessary for improvement,” Golay said.
He maintained that the State government stands by the journalists and will take all possible measures to support their well-being.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced several initiatives towards journalists’ welfare including health insurance and pension for PCS members. He said the government would arrange a meeting with Central Referral Hospital Manipal and the IPR department to discuss health insurance. A grant-in-aid would be provided to PCS from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant for pensions with eligibility criteria to be formulated by the Press Club and IPR department.
Starting 2025, the Chief Minister said, cash awards of Rs. 1,01,000 for the Kanchenjunga Kalam Purashkar and Rs. 51,000 for the Laganshil Yuva Patrakar Puraskar will be provided by the State government. There will also be occasional revisions of advertisement rates for both daily and weekly newspapers, he assured.
PCS president Bhim Rawat, in his welcome address, highlighted the contributions of journalism to the State and thanked the Chief Minister for his support. During the celebration, the PCS felicitated Chief Minister Golay for his support to the journalists.
Subash Rai, while thanking PCS for the award, recalled his experiences over his 25-year career in journalism. He dedicated the award to his late parents, former and present editors and publishers, family, friends and well-wishers.
The event also included the launch of the Press Club of Sikkim website by the Chief Minister and cultural performances.