Our Correspondent
Imphal, Oct. 29 (EMN): Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT) observed the 62nd birth anniversary of journalist (late) Khelen Thokchom at Manipur Press Club in Imphal on October 28.
The observance was attended by Group Editor Irengbam Arun of Imphal Free Press, President Wangkhemcha Shamjai of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union and President Khogendra Khomdram of Editors Guild Manipur, representatives of Youth Forum, meira paibi of the Tera Tongbram Leikai, KTT members and family members of the senior journalist.
Paying of floral tributes to the photograph of the late journalist, presentation of certificate and shawl to Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship (KTMF) recipient journalist Huidrom Roniibala of Naharolgi Thoudang vernacular, besides announcing the name of new Media Fellow of KTMF were the main highlights of the observance.
Taorem Bishwajit, a senior sub-editor of Sanaleibak vernacular has been awarded the KTMF for the year 2022-23.
Most of the speakers in the day’s observation recalled and shared the exceptional qualities of late journalist Khelen Thokchom while writing, reporting in the various newspapers and taking part in other discussion platforms.
Prof. MC Arunkumar of Anthropology department of Manipur University,Youth Forum Secretary of Tera Tongbram Leikai also spoke on the occasion while Roniibala shared her experiences and findings in compiling her comprehensive reports on the "Vanishing playfields of Manipur and its impact on health and sports".
So far the KTMF programme has been awarded to five journalists belonging to different media houses in the state.
Sports reporter Heikrujam Sadananda Singh of Poknapham and ST Lelen Vaiphei of Imphal Free Press were recipients of the first KTMF in 2018-2019 to write special stories on "Prospect of Cricket in Manipur".
Staff reporter of Imphal Free Press Babie Shirin was selected for the 2nd edition of KTMF programme in 2019-2020 to produce research based stories on "Manipur's Dying Water Resources" while Ng Liklaileima for the 3rd edition of KTMF programme in 2019-2020 on “Challenges and Opportunities of Urbanisation in Manipur”.