Press Club marks decadal foundation day with Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar for Jigme N Kazi

GANGTOK, 17 July: Press Club of Sikkim [PCS] celebrated its decadal Foundation Day in grand manner today at Janta Bhawan. The function was chaired by former PCS president, CD Rai, while senior journalist and playwright, CK Shrestha, was present as the chief guest and Information and Public Relation Department Secretary, KS Topgay, the guest of honour.
On the occasion, the 8th Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar was conferred on senior journalist, Editor Sikkim Observer and Himalayan Guardian, Jigme N Kazi, while the correspondent of Hindustan Samachar news agency, Bishal Gurung was awarded the Laganshil Yuwa Patrakar Puraskar [Dedicated young journalist award]. Likewise, the Press Club of Sikkim also felicitated the Samay Dainik correspondent for Darjeeling, Mohan Lama, today.
Addressing the function, the chief guest, highlighted that journalists should not misguide readers and should always be proactive is searching out stories. He added that journalists are part of the society as others, but because they are part of the information media, had a more significant and more responsible role towards addressing social concerns.
IPR Secretary, Mr Topgay, in turn assured to extend all possible help and support for the development and welfare of the journalist fraternity and the Press Club.
PCS president, Bhim Rawat mentioned that the club has been working for the welfare and unity of the journalists in the state and urged everyone remain united. He expressed his gratitude to Mr. Shrestha for helping the PCS build a Journalist Welfare fund through his play performed by journalists in 2008.
The Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar awardee, Mr. Kazi, in his acceptance speech, said, “I believe that by conferring this award to this long-time black-listed man, who is forced to live in self-imposed exile in his own homeland, the Press in Sikkim is sending a clear message to those who care to listen. And that message is loud and clear: the Press in Sikkim wants to be more free and independent and those in power and the people at large should take note of it and respect its stand.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks speech proposed by Amber Gurung.

Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar for Jigme N Kazi

GANGTOK, 08 July: Senior journalist and a prolific writer Jigme N Kazi has been named for the ‘Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar’ for the year 2012 by the Press Club of Sikkim. Mr. Kazi, who edits two English weeklies –Sikkim Observer and Himalayan Guardian – has also authored two books, “Inside Sikkim Against the Tide” and “Sikkim for Sikkimese”, will receive the award during the decadal foundation day celebrations of the PCS on 17 July, a press release informs.
Mr. Kazi’s name was unanimously endorsed during the executive body meeting of the Club held here on Friday. He has also been associated with various news organizations such as The Telegraph, Eastern Express, Statesmen, United News of India (UNI), English weekly ‘ Hill People’ and ‘ Bhoomiputra’ a vernacular weekly and was instrumental in institutionalising journalism in Sikkim.
The PCS has also decided to felicitate the Darjeeling Bureau chief of Samay Dainik for his contributions of journalism and continuing with its initiative to encourage younger scribes, the PCS has selected Sikkim correspondent of Hindustan Samachar, Bishal Gurung, for the ‘Most Promising Journalist’ award of 2012.
The meeting also decided to celebrate the foundation day by organizing cultural events. Those interested in participating in the cultural event have been invited to contact the Cultural Secretary of the Club, Sagar Chettri at 98324-24750.

PRESS CLUB OF SIKKIM CELEBRATES ITS 9TH FOUNDATION DAY

Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar for Bijay Bantawa, felicitations for Arun Rasaily and Homnath Dabari
GANGTOK, 17 July: The Press Club of Sikkim [PCS], which was formed in the year 2002, celebrated its 9th Foundation Day at Hotel Tashi Delek today. The programme had Justice SP Wangdi as the chief guest, Chairperson BB Gooroong as the guest of honour and the PCS chief advisor, CD Rai, as special guest.

Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar for Bijay Bantawa

Outgoing president, Press Club of Sikkim, Parasmani Dangal, [extreme right] hands over charge to the new president Bhim Rawat [left] and general secretary, Joseph Lepcha.

GANGTOK, 05 July: Senior journalist Bijay Bantawa has been selected for the ‘Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar’ for the year 2011 conferred by the Press Club of Sikkim. Mr. Bantawa, the editor-publisher of weekly newspaper Himgiri, will receive the award on the 9th foundation day function of the PCS on 17 July here at Gangtok, a press release issued by the PDS publicity secretary, Nirmal Mangar, informs.