16/11/2024
CM Launches Pension Scheme-Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana for Veteran Journalists on National Press Day 2024
Gangtok, 16 Nov (IPR): The National Press Day Celebration 2024 with the theme "Changing Nature of Press" was held at Manan Kendra, Gangtok.
Organised by the Information and Public Relations Department (IPRD), the programme was graced by the Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang-Golay , as the chief guest.
Also present in the celebration were Mr Nar Bahadur Dahal, Minister, Roads & Bridges Department, Mr LB Das, MLA cm Advisor, IPRD, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA Cum Advisor, Urban Development Department, Ms Kala Rai, MLA cm Advisor Rural Development Department, MP Lok Sabha, Mr Kunga Nima, Political Advisor to HCM, Mr Bishnu Prasad Khatiwara, Advisor to HCM, Mr Jacob Khaling, Political Secretary to HCM, Mr Yougen Tamang, Press Secretary to HCM, Former Legislators, Head of Departments, Senior Officers of various Departments, President of Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) and all the executive members of PCS, Guest keynote speakers for the day - Mr Abhijit Majumdar, Founder of Earshot.com and Consulting Editor, CNN News-18media, and Mr Saurabh Dwivedi, Founding Editor, Lallantop, media fraternity, students of various schools and universities, Officers and staff of IPR Department.
Highlighting the contributions of the Press and Media in informing the public, enlightening society, and holding governments accountable, the Chief Minister called for honoring the unity of journalists and their commitment to social justice, particularly for marginalized communities.
Sharing his pride in launching the Tista Rangit Aviral Kalam Award on Independence Day to recognize outstanding journalists at the state level, the Chief Minister honoured three veteran journalists in the categories of climate change, women safety, and human rights under the Chief Minister's Award. The awardees were Mr Pankaj Dhungel (East Mojo), Mr Deepak Gurung (Anugamini), and
Mr Raymond Lepcha ( Summit Times). The event also saw senior journalist Babbu Tamang receiving the YN Bhandari Excellence in Journalism Award, while journalist Sushil Rai was commended for his impactful reporting on rural issues.
Speaking about government initiatives, the Chief Minister highlighted efforts to inspire the younger generation by recognizing distinguished individuals across various fields. He announced plans to double the value of existing awards. He stated that the state government has fulfilled all the Press Club’s longstanding demands including that of pension in the form of 'Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana'. Financial benefits under the scheme is provided by PCS to those working journalists who retire from active journalism after they fulfill certain Eligibility Criteria. Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana
Sikkim Patrakar Samman Yojana was launched by the Chief Minister and cheques were presented to ten senior journalists honouring them for their invaluable contributions, and congratulated the inaugural recipients. The recipients were:
Mr Kamal Mukhiya
Mr Bishnu Pratap Kharel
Mr Kabiraj Rai
Mr Ram Prasad Sharma
Mr Radha Pradhan
Mr Jeewan Katuwal
Mr Bijaya Bantawa
Mr Pranaya Lamichaney
Mr Khagendra Mani Pradhan and
Mr Subash Deepak
The Chief Minister also announced Medical Insurance for 83 Journalists in collaboration with Sikkim Manipal Hospital, under the CM Discretionary Grant aimed at providing better healthcare support to journalists. He also noted that the government has extended free medical care to over a dozen journalists referred for treatment outside the state.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by journalism, including misinformation, rumors, and threats to freedom of expression, he reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting the press in overcoming these obstacles. “Collaborating with the media is essential for building a strong, just, and informed society,” he said.
The Chief Minister extended his gratitude to guest speakers Abhijit Majumdar and Saurabh Dwivedi, senior journalists from Delhi, for their insightful contributions. He congratulated all journalists on National Press Day and reaffirmed the government’s support in strengthening the role of the media as the fourth pillar of democracy.
In his address on National Press Day, Mr LB Das emphasized the occasion’s significance in celebrating the press’s crucial role in upholding democracy. Reflecting on this year’s theme, “The Changing Nature of Press,” he highlighted the transformative evolution of journalism from traditional print and broadcast media to the dynamic digital landscape we see today.
He remarked on how social media platforms and online news outlets have revolutionized the way information is shared and consumed, significantly broadening the reach and diversity of news coverage. He praised the awardees for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their craft, recognizing their substantial contributions to society. Their work, he asserted, exemplifies the enduring spirit and responsibility of journalism in these rapidly changing times, reaffirming its essential role in fostering informed public discourse.
On the occasion, the annual grant of Rupees Five lakhs was also presented to PCS by the Chief Minister received by Mr Bhim Rawat. The grant this year was provided under the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant (CMDG).
Similarly, a sum of Rs 20 Lakhs as Chief Minister's Grant in Aid for the welfare of senior Journalists was presented to Mr Bhim Rawat, PCS. Likewise,
The event was taken forward by the President of the Press Club of Sikkim, PCS Mr Bhim Rawat. He on behalf of the press fraternity, thanked the Chief Minister of Sikkim for the financial help and support extended to media personnel of the state.
Further, the Grameen Patrakarita Purashkar 2024 which is awarded by the Press Club of Sikkim annually was presented to Mr Sushil Rai, Sikkim Reporter, Correspondent, Namchi.
Earlier speaking on the topic of Journalism in the Age of Social Media, Mr Abhijit Majumdar, Founder of Earshot.com and Consulting Editor, of CNN News-18 remarked on the evolving nature of media, stating that the lifespan of a magazine has drastically shortened—from a month to a fortnight, then to a week, and now newspapers hold relevance for merely 24 hours. He emphasized that journalism today operates in a constant rush.
He observed that every citizen has effectively become a mobile broadcaster, sharing raw information instantly. He urged media professionals to prioritize credibility by verifying their sources. Striking a balance between speed and accuracy, he asserted, is paramount to maintaining credibility in a fast-paced media environment. He also cautioned against the dangers of confirmation bias and stressed the importance of maintaining self-discipline and professional instincts.
Concluding his speech, he mentioned his book leaving a copy for the Chief Minister of the State.
Mr. Saurabh Dwivedi, Founding Editor of Lallantop, delivered a thought-provoking address on the topic “The Changing Nature of the Press.” He reflected on the evolution of media through various phases, emphasizing the transformative impact of the digital age, where every individual now holds the potential to act as a news reporter. This shift, he noted, underscores the urgent need for caution and rigorous verification in news dissemination.
He urged the media to uphold the spirit of “We, the people of India” by fostering inclusivity and transcending personal biases. Highlighting the dynamic nature of journalism, he encouraged professionals to adapt to emerging trends while ensuring their work is grounded in meticulous research.
In his closing remarks, he emphasized the indispensable value of continuous learning in the field of journalism. He left the audience with a powerful reminder: “We will grow and emerge if we learn continuously; otherwise, we will be lost and become irrelevant.”
The day was enlivened by an energetic dance performed by the artists of the Culture Department and Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy adding excitement to the celebrations.
Furthermore, it is here to be mentioned that on the occasion of National Press Day, as the Minister In Charge of IPRD, the Chief Minister also acknowledged the contributions of the officials of IPRD with Certificate of Appreciation.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Ms Annapurna Alley, Secretary IPRD and the programme concluded with words of thanks proposed by Mr Umesh Sunam, Director IPRD.
The event also featured an Open Floor Discussion where the media person and audience participated, which was modulated by Ms Sarojini S***a, Senior District Information Officer Gangtok.
The Master of Ceremony for the event were Mr Yadop Adhikari, Senior Information Assistant and Ms Meena Gautam, Assistant Sub Editor (Nepali).
Report from DIO-Gangtok
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