Karyir, Samshum, Yomge and Ater receive media excellence awards
Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 17 Nov: The Arunachal Times Correspondent Karyir Riba and Freelance Journalist Samshum Changmi have won the V. Ravindran Excellence in Journalism Awards 2024. Riba won in the Human Interest category for her article titled “Orange Bowl of Arunachal Coming Undone” published in The Arunachal Times. In her story, Riba highlighted the decline in orange production. Based in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district, Riba has been reporting on a range of issues concerning Lower Dibang Valley and other neighboring districts.
“These awards keep us motivated,” Riba said. “In today’s times, more importance is given to video updates, as people seem to have less and less time to read. However, one should also understand the significance of print media. Reading habits should be instilled in children from a young age,” she added.
Changmi won in two categories: Investigative Journalism and Politics and Governance, for his articles “Illegal Mining in Changlang: Coal Crisis Needs Action” and “PDS in Changlang: A Broken Promise to the Poor,” published in The Arunachal Times. Changmi spotlighted illegal mining in Changlang and exposed the failure of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in the district.
“Receiving the V. Ravindran Excellence in Journalism Awards in the categories of Investigative Journalism and Politics & Governance is both a tremendous honor and a source of inspiration for budding journalists like me. This recognition motivates me to work even more effectively in this field,” Changmi said.
In addition, NewsFY Chief Reporter Yomge Chisi won two categories-Human Interest and Investigative Journalism-at the Taro Chatung Excellence in Journalism Awards 2024, while The Network Editor Ater Bengia won in the Politics and Governance category. Camerapersons from NewsFY and The Network, Akom Tanju Don and Ronit Kumar, were also felicitated for their contributions to the stories.
Chisi won for her stories “Arunachal Horror: Child Abuser Linked to 2 Alleged Deaths” and “Victims Beaten, Filmed in Sex Racket Nightmare,” broadcast on the NewsFY digital news web portal. “Working on sensitive stories, such as cases of sexual abuse involving minors, is always challenging. Convincing the victims or their caretakers to engage in an interview requires immense trust and sensitivity. With all sincerity, I dedicate this award to all my interviewees-victims, administrators, and police personnel-who placed their faith in me and sat in front of the camera to share their stories,” stated Yomge Chisi.
Bengia won for her story on garbage titled “Dekho Apna Pradesh: Chimpu Dumpyard.”
“This award is not just an entitlement; it’s a profound responsibility. With it comes the duty to remain authentic, ethical and fearless in the pursuit of truth,” Bengia said.
The awards were presented to the winners during the National Press Day celebration at the Arunachal Press Club. There were 15 entries for the print categories (V. Ravindran Excellence in Journalism Award) and 18 entries for the Taro Chatung Excellence in Journalism Award.
The V. Ravindran Excellence in Journalism Awards honor high-standard journalistic work in print/written media, while the Taro Chatung Excellence in Journalism Awards recognize the achievements of electronic and digital media.
