GANGTOK, July 17: The 23rd Foundation Day of the Press Club of Sikkim (PCS) was held at Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok on Thursday.
Minister for Rural Development Department and Cooperation Department Arun Kumar Upreti, attended the event as chief guest. Minister Health and Family Welfare and Culture Department GT Dhungel, Advisor to Chief Minister, Kunga Nima Lepcha, Press Advisor to Chief Minister, Birendra Tamling, Advisor IPR department, SB Subba, and Secretary IPR Department, Annapurna Alley, were also present.
The programme commenced with a moment of silence observed in memory of Padma Shri Late Sanu Lama, honouring his legacy and contributions to literature and society.
In his address, Minister Arun Kumar Upreti conveyed his greetings to the press fraternity and congratulated the award recipients. He spoke on the Government’s support for journalists’ welfare, including medical insurance, travel assistance, pension schemes, and accreditation. He stated that the Government welcomed constructive feedback from the media and reiterated its focus on strengthening the media sector.
Arun Kumar Upreti also reiterated the Chief Minister’s vision of building a Sunaulo, Samarth, and Samriddha Sikkim, highlighting the State Government’s commitment to fostering a progressive, self-reliant, and prosperous Sikkim through inclusive development and collective effort.
In his welcome address, President PCS Bhim Rawat, spoke about the journey of the Press Club since it began. He shared how the Press Club has grown over the years and talked about its role in supporting public dialogue and providing a platform for discussion on important issues.
The Patrakarita Seva Gaurav Samman was conferred on four senior journalists in recognition of their longstanding service: HK Khawas, Chitra Bahadur Chettri, Binod Tamang, and Narendra Rai.
MD Ramzan of Namchi was honoured with the Samachar Patra Vitrak Samman in recognition of his dedicated service as a newspaper distributor.
Journalist Pema Wangchen Lama was presented with the Lagansheel Yuwa Patrakarita Puraskar, along with a cash award of Rs 51,000, in recognition of his work in photojournalism. He expressed gratitude for being the first photojournalist to receive the award and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding journalistic integrity.
Journalist Poet Pravin Khaling was felicitated for having been conferred with Dr Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Memorial Award during the 28th Dr Shova Kanti Thegim (Lepcha) Memorial Award ceremony held earlier on July 4, 2025, in recognition of his contributions to literature and journalism.
The Khangchendzonga Kalam Puraskar was awarded to journalist and co-founder of EastMojo, Karma Samten Paljor. The awardee expressed gratitude for being recognised in his home state and encouraged young people to pursue journalism with dedication. He also urged fellow journalists to uphold the truth and build credible sources.
Karma Samten Paljor is a recipient of four national honours, including the Ramnath Goenka Award for Investigative Journalism.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by the general secretary PCS DR Dulal.
- IPR Report
