Ram Patro Memorial Award and Me.
-Sikkim Express, one of the oldest newspapers in Sikkim and its sister publication Himali Bela, yearly felicitates Journalists who excels in Journalism in the memory of Late Ram Patro who was the Founder of Sikkim Express and one of the Pioneer of Journalism in Sikkim. This Year ‘Ram Patro Memorial Award’ for “Excellence in Journalism” was awarded to Mr. Pramod Giri Editor of ‘The Himal World’ and ‘Ram Patro Memorial Award’ for ‘Best Working Journalist in Sikkim Express & Himali Bela’ was awarded to myself. It is indeed a proud moment for me to be awarded with the award which a journalist can ever expect.
In my view, Late Ram Patro was not only an Editor, Founder of Sikkim Express and Pioneer in Journalism in Sikkim but he was a far sighted Journalist who saw the future of Journalism in Sikkim and He loved for his passion. In those days, he could have taken another profession to earn for his living and for his family as getting Employment in Sikkim must have been an easy job for the educated person back then, but he dedicated his life for the sake of Journalism. He was a professional in his career.
The lesson we learn from His life is, no matter what comes to our lives, is it the passion and zeal that drives a human lives how to choose a profession.
In my Journalism career since from the year 2006 till date, where I was attached with many media houses for Advertising Agent, Videographer, Editor and Reporter, I heard many People saying ‘I like Journalism’ or ‘I also wants to become a Journalist’ but they never become a Journalist nor did a reporting, which may be one of the reason it is not a high earning job in our places. I had seen many journalists quitting their journalism career and taking into other professions like Government jobs to earn better living.
I read First Lady Indian Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi said, “Why can everyone be an Indian and not be proud of it,” In the same way, why does everyone want to be a Journalist and not be proud of it. Realizing one’s passion is important in every profession. If we are into a profession and not be proud of it, we are just doing it for a living or earning, not really enjoying the profession. What really matters the most is what is your inner most zeal or passion, we should cling to it.
I feel proud to be connected with Ram Patro, one of the Pioneers and Far-sighted Journalist through receiving Ram Patro Memorial Award for the best Working Journalist in Sikkim Express and Himali Bela for the Year 2023-24. I want to Thank the Ram Patro Memorial Award Committees for choosing me for the Award and I also Want to Thank My Lord Jesus for His Blessings. Now I am learning to be feeling proud to be a Journalist. In my verse-Proud simply means dedicated, humbled and sincere towards ones profession.
Ajay Thami, FreeLancer Journalist, Pakyong.
