JAMMU: Governor N.N Vohra presented ‘Prof. R.K Chhibber Memorial Journa-lism Awards- Journalist of the Year’ to Sanjeev Pargal, Bureau Chief, Daily Excelsior and Vivek Singh, Principal Correspondent, Dainik Jagran, in a function organized by Prof. R.K Chhibber Memorial Trust here on Tuesday.
Complimenting the recipients of the Award, the Governor observed that the media is a vital organ and has an extremely crucial role in sustaining and strengthening democracy.
Governor urged the journalistic fraternity to powerfully project issues relating to corruption, mis-governance, poverty, illiteracy, safety and security of women and children, upliftment of the rural areas etc. and help the government to effectively disseminate development and welfare programmes as enhancement of awareness would benefit the targeted segments of the population and besides, promote accountability.
Sushil Chhibber, Managing-Trustee, Prof RK Chhibber Memorial Trust, said the reason the trust chose to honour journalists was that the role played by the journalists was similar to that of academics since both want to change the status quo and bring about more transparency – one through his writings and other through his teachings.
Ved Bhushan Gupta, Advocate, Secretary of the Trust, while recalling his association with Prof Chhibber said he was an eminent author, teacher, sportsperson, administrator and a journalist.
Aneesh Bhanot, eminent author, who was a member of the jury, said the award was aimed at acknowledging outstanding work by journalists of Jammu. Ashwani Kumar, President, Press Club of Jammu, hoped the Trust would add more categories of awards, saying the need of the hour is to appreciate the hard working and honest journalists performing their job without fear and favour.
Zorawar Singh, Secretary General, PCJ presented vote of thanks while Anshuja Tak conducted the proceedings.
On this occasion, eminent cartoonist Manoj Chopra presented a memento to the Governor. MLA Devender Rana and President Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Rakesh Gupta were also present.