Ram Patro Memorial Awards conferred

GANGTOK, 24 May: Chewan Krishna Dahal was conferred the ‘Most Promising Journalist in Sikkim for the year 2011-12’ award, while the ‘Best Working Journalist in Sikkim Express & Himali Bela for the year 2011-12’ award was given to Namo Dixit by the Ram Patro Memorial Award Committee. Likewise, Devicharan Chettri was presented a ‘Letter of Appreciation’ for his hard work and dedicated service. Chewan is currently working as a sub-editor with Himalayan Mirror and is also the Sikkim state correspondent for North East Television, while Namo is the South district correspondent for Sikkim Express.
The awards were conferred by the chief guest, Lok Sabha MP, PD Rai, and guest of honour, IPR Secretary, KS Topgay, in the awards ceremony held today. Also present was the award committee chairman, senior journalist CD Rai and publisher of Sikkim Express and Himali Bela, Mala Rana Patro.  
Speaking on responsible journalism, the Lok Sabha MP said in his address that it was important to write in full context and to give full report without adding any color allowing the reader and consumer to judge the report. Mr Rai stressed that sensationalism in news reporting is not healthy even if it sells more.
Speaking in the context of Sikkim, Mr Rai expressed that the state still needs subject specific journalists and added that the state government has also taken positive steps to foster journalism in the state. Congratulating the awardees, Mr Rai encouraged them to continue their good work.
The IPR Secretary congratulated Ram Patro Memorial Award Committee for their initiative to encourage young and budding journalists in the state. Mentioning that the State government has been trying to develop journalism in the state, the Secretary suggested that all members of the press fraternity should come forward with their suggestions and ideas which if viable could garner support from the government.
Chairman of the awards committee and veteran journalist, CD Rai, and cartoonist and English Department HOD, Sikkim Government College, Pankaj Thapa, also shared their experience of working with the late Ram Patro.
Sikkim Express Editor, Amit Patro informed that the award was constituted in 2005 to honour and encourage young journalists for their contribution and excellence in the field of journalism. He shared that the main idea of the award was to establish healthy journalism in the state.
He announced the formation of the Alumni Association of previous recipients of the Ram Patro Memorial Award and added that Rs 50,000 is being provided to the Association for use in the development of journalism in Sikkim. Later, the MP also announced to make a contribution of Rs 50,000 to this newly formed Association.
In their address, the awardees expressed that the award has encouraged them to work harder and contribute towards the society.