Journalism, a challenging profession: TN Haokip
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 01 2009: Six journalists of the state including the editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (English edition), Brozendra Ningomba were awarded the Manipur State Journalists' Award, 2008 in connection with the Information and Public Relations Day observance held at the office complex of DIPR located at Moirangkhom this morning.

Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (English edition), Brozendra Ningomba was awarded the Best Editor's Award.

This is the second time Brozendra Ningomba bagged the State Journalist Award.

To his credit, he had previously won the award in 2005.He has been awarded for his editorial writings on national integrity and communal harmony.

Senior reporter of Hueiyen Lanpao, Lukhoi Wangkhem and Dhanabanta Loukrakpam of Poknapham shared the award on Rural Reporting.

Y Nikesh of Ereibak bagged the award on Public Health and Hygiene reporting.

Elangbam Babina of Imphal Free Press and K Bedyajit Sharma of Ereibak shared the award on Women and Child reporting.

Editor of Hueiyen Lanpao (English) Brozendra Ningomba receiving award from Information and Public Relations Minister, TN Haokip

Each award carries Rs 25,000, a shawl and a citation.

Gracing the function as the chief guest, IPR Minister TN Haokip said the government has been planning to institute two more categories on Sports and Art and Culture reporting from next year.

Noting that the working style of journalists in the state is different from that of other places, TN Haokip egged on the journalists to maintain professional spirit.

He added that constructive criticism should be the value of a journalist.

The government is also trying its best on implementing welfare schemes for the journalists.

P Bharat, IAS, Commissioner of IPR said in an attempt to ensure the welfare of the journalists, the government has started giving pension scheme to journalists.

It is also organising refresher course for 15 days.

He added the recent discord between the government and the media persons was 'unfortunate'.

He urged the journalists to maintain professionalism in executing their works.

He also assures help and assistances to journalists while appealing the journalists to extend cooperation in order to translate the true meaning of democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Brozendra Ningomba, editor of Hueiyen Lanpao said a sense of fulfillment has been felt in receiving the award.

He said, the award is worth the world-fame Pulitzer prizes for the state.

Eminent journalists and panel members of the award selection committee, AK Sanaton and K Modhumangol have also spoke on the occasion.

A souvenir "Manipur at a Glance" was also released on the occasion.

The day has been organised to commemorate the appointment of a full-time publicity officer of the Government of Manipur on November 1, 1949 and to disseminate the importance of information and Public relations to the people.

The Manipur State Journalist Award has been instituted since 1998.Among the winners of the award so far included eminent journalist, the late N Tombi, the editor of Manipur Mail.