Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the indispensable role of the journalism sector in Nepal’s political, social, and cultural transformations. Addressing the Senior Journalist Honors and National Journalism Award distribution program organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology on National Journalism Day, President Paudel highlighted journalism as a crucial tool for change and a powerful means of nation-building. He asserted, “Democracy cannot be imagined without journalism as democracy is a prerequisite for free, impartial and neutral journalism.”
According to National News Agency Nepal, President Paudel referred to the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of the press and expression, underscoring the state’s responsibility to ensure a fear-free and independent environment for journalists. He stressed the duty of the press to provide truthful and fact-based news to the public. He also called for urgent attention to creating a safe and risk-free environment for journalists to report and disseminate news without insecurity.
President Paudel expressed confidence that the Nepali press would contribute effectively to strengthening the federal democratic republic and achieving good governance, development, and economic prosperity. Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, speaking at the event, revealed that the government is working to draft and amend laws to make journalism more systematic and dignified, acknowledging the transitional phase in legal terms.
Federation of Nepali Journalists President Nirmala Sharma highlighted the increasing economic and professional challenges faced by journalists and urged the state to ensure their professional and physical security. The event also saw the honoring of former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Bipul Pokharel and former President of Press Chautari Nepal Ganesh Basnet with the Senior Journalist Award-2081.
The National Journalism Award-2081 was bestowed upon Bimal Gautam (Baglung), Dipendra Shrestha (Kaski), Logshari Kunwar (Kailali), Dipendra Bantawa (Sankhuwasabha), Dilliram Khatiwada (Udayapur), and Sagar Pandit (Tanahun). President Paudel presented the awards on behalf of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, with the Senior Journalist Award-2081 carrying a purse of Rs. 200,000 and the National Journalism Award-2081 including Rs. 100,000 in cash.