The winners of the 2nd Kalyan Barooah Awards 2024 were announced today in New Delhi by the North East Media Forum (NEMF) in collaboration with My Home India. Recognized as one of the most prestigious accolades in journalism, these awards celebrate exemplary reporting and storytelling that spotlight the Northeast region of India.
This year’s awards honor achievements in Print Media, Electronic Media, and Digital Media, along with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
In the Print Media Category, freelance journalist Mubina Akhtar was named the winner for her outstanding contributions. The Electronic Media Category award went to Mridusmanta Boruah of Pratidin Times. In the Digital Media Category, the honor was bestowed upon Dr. Kshetrimayum Chitrabhanu Devi of Imphal Review of Arts and Politics.
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award will be conferred on veteran journalist Kishore Seram, acknowledging his significant and lasting contributions to journalism in the Northeast.
The jury also recognized the efforts of two exceptional individuals:
- Farhana Ahmed of The Assam Tribune received a special mention in the Print Media Category for her impactful reporting on human trafficking and forced migration.
- Aparamita Das was commended for her compelling photo essay in the still photography category.
However, no award was given in the Videography Category due to the absence of qualifying entries.
The awards commemorate the legacy of the late Kalyan Barooah, a revered journalist who served The Assam Tribune for over 27 years. Known for his intelligent reporting and commitment to highlighting the issues and achievements of the Northeast, Barooah left an indelible mark on Indian journalism.
Instituted in 2022 on Barooah’s birth anniversary, the awards were introduced by My Home India, a social welfare organization founded by Sunil Deodhar, in partnership with the NEMF. The initiative aims to honor journalists who amplify the voices of the Northeast region on a national platform.
This year’s awards saw numerous nominations from across the country. A distinguished jury panel, comprising eminent personalities and senior journalists Utpal Borpujari, Maushumi Chakravarty, Sandeep Phukan, Prof. Shashwati Goswami, and Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty undertook a meticulous evaluation process.
Entries were assessed on creativity, relevance, and impact, with each jury member scoring entries out of 20 marks, culminating in a comprehensive 120-mark system to ensure fair and rigorous selection.
The award ceremony will take place on December 11 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. It promises to be a celebration of journalistic excellence and a tribute to those who bring the Northeast’s stories to the forefront of national discourse.
The Kalyan Barooah Awards continue to encourage journalists to shine a spotlight on the vibrant culture, pressing issues, and untold stories of Northeast India, contributing to a deeper understanding and unity across the nation.(pr)