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.