Grameen Patrakarita Puraskar for Rudra Kaushik

The Press Club of Sikkim has decided to confer the Grameen Patrakarita Puraskar for this year on journalist Rudra Kaushik. His name was selected on Thursday, 06 November, from among several entries submitted before the PCS executive committee. Mr. Kaushik’s reportage from rural West Sikkim has earned him the award instituted by the Raj Bhawan to encourage rural reporting in the state. Mr. Kaushik will be presented the award during the National Press Day celebrations on 16 November 2014. 

Press Club felicitates SE duo on Sikkim Sewa Samman honour

GANGTOK, 19 May: The Press Club of Sikkim today felicitated Editor, Sikkim Express, Amit Patro, and Yishey Doma Bhutia, Copy Editor at Sikkim Express, on being conferred the Sikkim Sewa Samman on State Day. The felicitation ceremony had PCS advisor, CD Rai, as chief guest.
Mr. Rai congratulated the two journalists on their sterling recognition and remarked that journalism has come a long forward in Sikkim and congratulated the gathered journalists on their professionalism.
Speaking about Sikkim Express, two journalists from which were honoured on State Day, he highlighted how Ram Patro had started it and how the initiative was carried forward by his wife Mala Rana Patro and how the legacy is being sustained by their son Amit Patro. He also commended the entire team at SE for the hard work they have invested in the paper and pulled it up to its present level.
The gathering was also addressed by the two persons to be felicitated, Amit Patro and Yishey Doma Bhutia, both of them thanked the PCS for felicitating them and that it was a matter of pride to be honoured for the work by the State.

PCS and JUS observe National Press Day

GANGTOK, 18 Nov: National Press Day was observed at Press Club by the Journalist Union of Sikkim (JUS) on 16 November with a program chaired by senior journalist Nita Nirash.
Various discussions were held about the current situation of the press fraternity and on future plans and prospects of JUS. During the program the working journalists of Sikkim took a resolution with regard to the security of media houses in Sikkim for which the concerned authorities of the Government of Sikkim will be approached.
They also unanimously adopted the resolution that the Press Club of Sikkim and the JUS will take up initiatives to ensure the security of media houses and the working journalists in the state.
The Press Club has also decided to observe the National Press Day on 23 November in a grand manner in collaboration with the Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim. On the occasion the first Sikkim Grameen Patrakarita Puraskar initiated by the Governor of Sikkim, BP Singh will also be conferred to a deserving journalist from rural Sikkim.
PCS president Bhim Rawat, general secretary Joseph Lepcha, treasurer Prabin Khaling and executive members Nirmal Mangar, Shekhar Khawas, Prakash Adhikari, Samir Hang, Sagar Chettri, Anand Oberoi, Bijoy Gurung, Kunal Rai and other journalists were also present on the occasion. The chairperson Nita Nirash congratulated the Press Club and the Government of Sikkim for successfully organizing the National Media Conference in the state for the first time.
On the National Press Day, the press club will be organising a debate on the freedom of media.

PRESS CLUB OF SIKKIM CONDEMNS ATTACK ON SIKKIM NOW OFFICE

In a press release issued today, Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) has condemned the vandalism of Sikkim NOW! (a daily published from Gangtok) office by the supporters of Bibi Doma Tamang. It is reported that the supporters led by Mrs. Tamang attacked the office of the daily at around 11:15 PM on 07 November, 2012 and damaged signboards, doors and window panels etc. PCS has learnt that Mrs. Tamang, a candidate for Panchayat ward from Kabi Tingda constituency was defeated in the recent election. PCS states that attacking newspaper office cannot be the way of expressing one’s electoral frustration.
Therefore PCS urges the State Government to ensure safety of journalists and newspaper houses. PCS also urged the ruling party Sikkim Democratic Front leaders to take action against those members who were involved in the attack.
The demands are supported by the Indian Journalists’ Union, Journalist Club of Siliguri, Press Club of Kalimpong.

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.

PCS holds condolence meeting for late poet Ramdutta Lal Thakur

ANUSHA GURUNG
GANGTOK, 29 April: The Press Club of Sikkim under the banner of Vichar Kala Sangam organised a condolence meeting on the passing of Ramdutta Lal Thakur here in the capital in the presence of Advisor of Press Club of Sikkim [PCS], CD Rai and Padmashree Sanu Lama.
“Ramdutta Lal Thakur, a renowned poet and a simple person had contributed and played an important role in the Bhasha Manyata Aandolan. Born in 1927 in Bihar, his contribution to Nepali Literature is immense” said Padmashree Sanu Lama addressing the gathering today.
Mr. Lama informed that the late poet passed away on 22 March at Patna Hospital. Although he belonged to the Bihari community, he has done a lot for Nepali literature and the community, expressed Mr Lama.
During the meeting, Khusbu Chettri and Chandra Prasad Sharma read out poems dedicated to the Late Ramdutta Lal Thakur.
Social activist, Kiran Rasaily said that it was under late Thakur’s leadership that the Apatan Sahitya Council was formed in the state and his poems were rooted in the Nepali society.
Former Director of HRDD, Rudra Poudyal said that the late poet had helped create a literary environment in the state.
Also on the day, senior journalist Subash Deepak read out the biography of Lt. Thakur. Litterateurs Pradumna Shrestha, Chunilal Ghimirey, Sanu Bhai Sharma, Manoj Thakur were also present on the day.

3rd edition of Vichar Kala Sangam held

GANGTOK, 12 Feb: The third edition of Vichar Kala Sangam, the monthly soiree of Press Club of Sikkim, was held at Press Club of Sikkim on Saturday. The programme was chaired by All India Radio news reader, Anita Niroula, as the chief guest. During the programme, various cultural items and literary work were presented by the journalists.
In her address, Ms Niroula expressed her happiness on this idea of a platform for local working journalists to showcase their talents and to interact with each other. She further encouraged journos to work together in the state and nation building process.

Journos celebrate second edition of ‘Vichar Kala Sangam’ with picnic

GANGTOK, 08 Jan: Journalists showcased their talents and skills in the second edition of the monthly soiree of Press Club of Sikkim, ‘Vichar-Kala Sangam’ at Lower Lingdum on Saturday. A picnic to celebrate the New Year 2012 by the Press Club of Sikkim was also part of the programme. The second edition of the Vichar-Kala Sangam was chaired by artists and architect, Kiran Rasaily. During the programme, journalists presented songs, dances, poems and other items.

Journos let their hair down with ‘Vichar-Kala Sangam’

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: ‘Vichar-Kala Sangam’, a monthly soiree organized by the Press Club of Sikkim for journalists allowing them the space and opportunity to let their hair down and flash talents other than those of the pen, began on an entertaining note here at the PCS hall on Saturday. The ‘Sangam’ will now be held every second Saturday with the stage left open for journalists to sing, dance, recite poems and present other performances.

Press fraternity observes National Press Day

FIVE JOURNALISTS RECEIVE POSITIVE JOURNALISM GRANT
GANGTOK, 16 Nov: National Press Day was observed at Janta Bhawan today with a special function sponsored by the Information and Public Relation Department and hosted by the Press Club of Sikkim. The day was observed on the theme, “Media as an Institution of Public Accountability”, and had the IPR Minister, CB Karki, as the chief guest.

PCS thanks Governor for financial assistance to recognize exceptional rural reporting

GANGTOK, 14 Nov: The Press Club of Sikkim has expressed deep gratitude towards Governor Balmiki Prasad Singh on his gesture towards supporting efforts to promote rural reporting in Sikkim.

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.

Bhim Rawat elected Press Club president

GANGTOK, 29 June: The Press Club of Sikkim unanimously elected Bhim Rawat as its president, Joseph Lepcha as general secretary, Babbu Tamang as treasurer, Kabita Sharma as assistant treasurer, Nirmal Mangar as publicity secretary, Arjun Rai as literary secretary and Sagar Chettri as culture secretary. All of them sailed through uncontested.

Journos pedal awareness against addiction

GANGTOK, 26 June: A cycle rally on the theme ‘Life Does Not Rewind’ was taken out by journalists in Gangtok today. The rally was organized by the Press Club of Sikkim [PCS], supported by Sikkim State AIDS Control Society [SSACS] to observe International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, 2011.
Vice Chancellor, Sikkim University, Prof. Mahendra P Lama, flagged off the rally from Vajra Cinema Hall, Baluwakhani and ended at Ranipool Bazaar with brief stops at Lall Bazaar, Deorali and Tadong where the participants distributed pamphlets to the people to raise awareness against drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

Nomination process begins 21 June for PCS elections

GANGTOK, 21 June: Elections for the new executive body of Press Club of Sikkim are scheduled for 29 June. This was decided at a meeting held on 18 June where the former body was dissolved and a resolution to form a new executive body passed.
The filing of the nomination starts from 23 June, the last day of the filing nominations is 25 June and the last date for the withdrawal of nominations is 27 June.
“The out-of-station eligible voters can obtain permission from the Election Commission of PCS to cast their vote through SMS from their pre-intimidated phone numbers within the stipulated voting time,” details Notification-2 issued by the Press Club of Sikkim. However, a “proper discretion has to be submitted in writing to the Election Commission before 4pm of 27 June. It is the discretion of the Election Committee to allow or reject request for such voting”, the notification adds.

Press Club calls in IPR Secy, seeks enhancement of ad-rates

GANGTOK, 27 May: The executive committee members of the Press Club of Sikkim, led by their president, Paras Mani Dangal, today submitted a memorandum to Information & Public Relations Secretary, KS Tobgay, seeking enhancement of government advertisement rates and increase in the number of display advertisements released by the department.
The PCS team included the working president Amit Patro, general secretary Bhim Rawat, vice president Rajen Pradhan, treasurer Babboo Tamang, assistant treasurer DR Dulal and publicity secretary Bijoy Gurung.
With the memorandum submitted earlier to IPR Minister CB Karki by the PCS, Mr. Tobgay assured the PCS delegation that the government was seized of the matter and assured to look into the demands in a positive manner. He was also briefed about the pending release of Rs. 5 lakh which had been announced by the Chief Minister in 2009 for the journalists’ welfare fund set up by the PCS.