SEJON distributes awards, prizes to journalists on its 29th anniversary

KATHMANDU: The Society of Economic Journalists – Nepal (SEJON) has distributed awards and prizes to journalists and teams on the occasion of its 29th anniversary. During a special programme held in Kathmandu on Monday, SEJON presented awards across several categories.

The SEJON Award, worth Rs 100,000, was presented to two journalists. Coordinator of the SEJON Award and Prize Selection Committee and former SEJON president Dr Goopal Tiwari announced that the award went to Pawan Timilsina of Naya Patrika Daily for the news titled "Bill prepared by increasing facilities for former VVIPs" and its follow-up coverage, and to Bhuvan Poudel of Onlinekhabar for the news titled "Dipendra Agrawal's business: buying back shares sold by himself, trapping the public at high prices".

The SEJON Print Media Award, worth Rs 50,000, was presented to Bimal Khatiwada of Kantipur Daily for reporting on "Budget allocation in fragmented projects". The SEJON Digital Media Award, also worth Rs 50,000, was presented to Sunil Kunwar of Bizmandu for the story "Tax evasion by raising premium under the pretext of IPO" and related coverage.

The Dr Bhola Chalise Liberal Journalism Award, worth Rs 100,000, was presented to two journalists. SEJON said the award was given to Sunita Karki of Annapurna Express for the report "Integrated Solid Waste Management Project stranded for 14 years" and to Uddhav Thapa of Nepal News for the report "Large projects in the trap of compensation".

On the occasion of the anniversary, the Late Sanjay Neupane Fellowship, 2082, worth Rs 100,000 and established in memory of SEJON's former vice president, Late Sanjay Neupane, was presented to Bheshraj Belbase of Gorkhapatra Daily. Former president Dr Tiwari said Belbase was selected because his research proposal titled "Impact of the great earthquake, Covid19, floods, and Gen-Z movement on micro, cottage, and small industries" was deemed excellent.

Dr Tiwari, as coordinator of the Award and Prize Selection Jury Committee, formally announced the names of all award winners and fellowship recipients.

Chief guests at the ceremony, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal and Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Anil Kumar Sinha, honoured the award-winning journalists with certificates and cash.

Prizes were also distributed for the Late Sagar Ghimire Memorial futsal match, organised in memory of SEJON's former executive committee member, Late Sagar Ghimire. The winning men's and women's teams were each presented with Rs 15,000, medals and a trophy, while the men's runner-up team received Rs 10,000, medals and a trophy. The tournament's top scorer, Ujir Karki, was presented with Rs 2,500 and a golden boot, and the best goalkeeper, Kedar Prasad Dahal, received a golden hand. Six teams participated in the men's category and two teams in the women's category.

READ ALSO:

• At SEJON's 29th anniversary, private sector leaders warn misinformation harms investment climate
• At SEJON's 29th anniversary, Finance minister urges review into failure to achieve expected economic growth