Gangtok, September 12: Six individuals who have rendered valuable contributions in the fields of education, tourism, horticulture, sports and society were felicitated today here at Tadong Government College auditorium during the sixth anniversary celebrations of Sikkim chapter of Himalayan Darpan, a regional newspaper published from Siliguri.
The felicitated persons were social worker and former minister Thukchuk Lachungpa, progressive farmer Arjun Tamang, entrepreneur Naresh Subba, former legislature Naresh Subba, Everesters Phul Maya Tamang and Yangdi Sherpa.
Roads & Bridges minister RB Subba who was the chief guest on the occasion presented the citations to the felicitated persons.
In his address, Mr. Subba underlined the importance of media in shaping up the society. Media is the fourth pillar of democracy, he said. He urged journalists to bring out the truth before the people.
The flourishing of media in Sikkim reflects the good governance of our Chief Minister, said Mr. Subba.
Guest of honour, Sikkim University vice-chancellor Prof Mahendra P Lama pointed out that lack of national media attention on the issues of Sikkim and Darjeeling region is due to the unavailability of specialized journalists in national electronic and print media.
Prof Lama said that the Sikkim University will prepare the human resources on journalism with its mass communication courses. He also encouraged the students towards the field of journalism.
IPR minister Neeru Sewa said that journalism should be taken in the form of a social service rather than a profession. She also stressed that reporters should always be rational before publishing the news.
CNN IBN correspondent Karma Paljor made a presentation on ‘Sikkim and Darjeeling in national media’ where he listed factors that have shunted projection of Sikkim and Darjeeling region in national media.
Less proximity with the media headquarters, geographical features and improper lobbying of the reporters are the key factors which have made Sikkim and Darjeeling not very visible in national media, said Mr. Paljor. He added that the political leadership of the hills should make efforts to promote the developments of the region in the national media.
Similarly, Dr. Balaram Pandey, Nepali lecturer of Tadong Government College and renowned writer Bijay Kumar Subba made presentations on ‘Role of Nepali Media’ and ‘Sikkimese Society’ respectively.
The Himalayan Darpan bureau chiefs of Kalimpong, Gangtok, Darjeeling, Mirik, Kuersong, Kalimpong and Dooars and the correspondents were also felicitated by the chief guest during the function.
Earlier, Himalayan Darpan bureau chief Ratan Gurung said through all odds Himalayan Darpan has successfully completed its the sixth year in Sikkim. He promised delivery of news service to the readers with same enthusiasms in the days to come.
The function concluded with musical presentations by Rohit Sunar of Voice of India and Apruva Tamang of Little Champ fame
