IPR hands over Positive Journalism Grants

GANGTOK, 21 Nov: Five journalists, whose names were announced on National Press Day [16 Nov], received the Positive Journalism Grant of Rs. 10,000 each from the Department of Information & Public Relations at a special function held here today with Advisor, Social Welfare Department, BB Gooroong, as the chief guest.
The grants were presented to: Gangtok Weekly Journal editor, Nimasang Lhamu, Samay Dainik correspondent, Hangma Subba, Nayuma Samachar correspondent, Hari Bhakta Adhikari, Sunakhari Samachar correspondent, Prabin Khaling and NOW! Correspondent Sagar Chhetri.
Addressing the function, Mr. Gooroong, who is also a former journalist, highlighted the rapid advancements made by media in Sikkim in recent decades, a growth he attributed to the fertile environment of freedom of expression being enjoyed in Sikkim.
He also expressed his happiness on the manner in which media has grown in Sikkim and on the number of young people joining the field of journalism now. He also mentioned that an increase of newspapers in Sikkim along with increased readership is a positive indicator for the state.
Mr Gooroong also mentioned that were still many demands of the media fraternity pending with the department and urged the IPR Secretary to take a positive note on the genuine demands.
The function was also attended by the IPR Secretary, KS Topgay along with other officials from the IPR Department.
On the occasion, journalists, BP Bajgain, Bhim Rawat, Prabin Khaling and Pranay Lamichaney and DIO [East], Yadav Sharma, presented their poems, while journalists, Ratan Gurung and Chewan Dahal presented their songs.