Gangtok, November 25 (IPR): The National Press Day 2025 celebration, organised by Information and Public Relations Department, Government of Sikkim, was grandly celebrated, to commemorate the significant role of media in safeguarding democracy, and upholding the values of a free and responsible press, at Manan Kendra, today.
The event was graced by Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, as the chief guest.
In his address, Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang, expressed his appreciation for the press fraternity and elaborated on the importance and responsibilities of media. He reflected on the history of press, recalling the contributions of several prominent journalists, and emphasised the media’s crucial role in safeguarding credibility. The Chief Minister reiterated the State Government’s commitment to empowering the press community and highlighted various initiatives undertaken for their welfare. He also spoke about the need for responsible reporting and storytelling that positively influences society. In addition, he outlined some of the state government’s key schemes and extended his congratulations to all the awardees.
The Chief Minister also visited the photo exhibition set up outside the main hall, curated by the Information & Public Relations Department showcasing the department’s key activities and achievements.
In his address, Chairperson, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Ashit Rai, highlighted that the programme served as a platform to translate the department’s vision into reality. He spoke about the significance of the celebration and highlighted the theme of the event, elaborating on the essential role of the media in society. He also outlined various initiatives undertaken by the press fraternity under the leadership of the Chief Minister, showcased the department’s ongoing work, and congratulated the award recipients.
In her welcome address, Secretary, Information and Public Relations Department, Ms Annapurna Alley welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the significance of the celebration in preserving the essence of the day. She emphasised on the vital role of the press in shaping society, its responsibility towards credible reporting, and the need to uphold the highest standards of journalism. She also extended her welcome to the guest speakers and acknowledged the State Government’s support in strengthening the media fraternity and creating opportunities for its growth. Further, she outlined the department’s achievements and shared the programme line-up for the event.
Earlier, the event began with a theme song presented by Information and Public Relations Department.
Further, an audio-visual presentation was delivered on the achievements of the IPR Department over the past year.
One of India’s leading AI and Digital Marketing coach, Mr Sorav Jain, addressed the programme, highlighting the growing importance of working with Artificial Intelligence to detect and prevent the spread of fake news in the digital era. He spoke about how misinformation gains momentum online, whether through fabricated videos, manipulated images, or altered documents, and how such content often goes viral before verification.
To empower individuals to navigate this landscape responsibly, he introduced the SIFT framework, which stands for,
* Stop before reacting or sharing
* Investigate the source
* Find trusted coverage or credible references
* Trace the original context of the information
He also recommended Google’s SynthID as a reliable tool for detecting AI-generated content, noting its use of digital watermarking to verify text, audio, and visuals. Mr. Jain stressed that even as AI reshapes information consumption, it must be used responsibly to protect truth, trust, and digital integrity
During the event, awards were presented to eminent journalists of Sikkim in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the field and their outstanding contributions to truthful and impactful reporting.
The first honour, the Chief Minister’s Award for Reporting on Climate Change, 2025, was presented to Mr Lalit Dahal. The award acknowledged his dedicated efforts in raising awareness about climate change and its growing impact on the environment.
The second honour, the Chief Minister’s Award for Reporting on Human Rights, 2025, was conferred upon Mr Hem Subba. He was recognised for his principled journalism and extensive reporting on human rights issues, reflecting a strong commitment to social justice and public interest.
The third award, the Chief Minister’s Award for Reporting on Women’s Issues, 2025, was presented to Ms Bhawani Thami. She was honoured for her tireless work in highlighting women-centric issues and amplifying voices that often remain unheard.
In addition, the YN Bhandari Best Journalism Award, 2025, was presented to Mr Ambar Gurung in recognition of his dedication to truth, ethical reporting, and exemplary service to the journalistic fraternity.
Similarly, the Kashiraj Pradhan Lifetime Journalism Award, 2025, was conferred upon Mr Khagendramani Pradhan, honouring his lifelong contribution to journalism, translation, and service to society.
The event also featured the release of the Coffee Table Book, a visually rich compilation of Sikkim’s developmental milestones, followed by the launch of Sikkim Today, the Department’s flagship magazine capturing the State’s key narratives over the past year.
The Chief Minister also unveiled the official jersey of the IPR Cricket Team, which will represent the Department in the forthcoming Inter-Departmental Cricket Tournament.
To acknowledge the excellence within the Department, the Chief Minister presented Certificates of Appreciation to IPR personnel for their commendable service across districts.
The awardees included,
* Bonu B. Rai (HQ)
* Semi Subba (Soreng)
* Arpana Gurung (Pakyong)
* Pema Namgyal Bhutia (Mangan)
* Narendra Baraily (Gyalshing),
* Tenzing Wangchuk Bhutia (Namchi)
In addition, Mr Samdup Dorjee Bhutia (HQ) was recognised separately for his exemplary dedication a Commendation Certificate was presented, reflecting the Department’s appreciation for dedicated staff contributions.
Strengthening the media fraternity further, the Government extended financial support to the Press Club of Sikkim. The Chief Minister handed over the Annual Grant-in-Aid of ₹5 lakh, received by Press Club President Mr. Bhim Rawat and the executive committee. A ₹20 lakh cheque was also presented under the Patrakar Samman Yojana, reinforcing the State’s commitment to journalist welfare and institutional development.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the launch of the Automated Billing System cum Advertisement Management System, marking a significant step toward digital governance within the Department. Released through the hands of the Chief Minister, the system now enables,
* Online submission and payment of advertising bills.
* Digital billing for media houses.
* Faster processing and redressal.
* Greater transparency and efficiency in advertisement management.
The new digital mechanism is expected to greatly streamline the workflow between media organisations and the IPR Department, ensuring quicker settlements and improved service delivery.
In his address, YN Bhandari Journalism Awardee 2025, Mr Ambar Gurung, shared that being recognised on such a significant day filled him with immense happiness and pride, reflecting back to his beginnings in 1978.
Mr Gurung acknowledged the legacy of Late Y N Bhandari, stating that receiving an award associated with such a distinguished figure made the moment even more meaningful. He also extended special thanks to Mr Khagendramani Pradhan, whom he credited as the person from whom he learned the true essence of journalism.
Reflecting on his 21 years of service in journalism, Mr Gurung noted that the journey has been one of learning, growth, and resilience shaped by both opportunities and challenges.
Subsequently, in recognition for consistently highlighting important news and issues from rural areas, Journalist, Sikkim News 24, Mr Suraj Limboo, was conferred with Grameen Patrakarita Puraskar 2025, honoured by the Press Club of Sikkim, with a cash award, a memento, and a certificate of appreciation.
Thereafter, the Chief Coordinator of the 60+ Journalists of Sikkim, Mr Bijay Bantawa, felicitated the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang.
Similarly, member of the Press Club of Sikkim, Mr Puran Tamang, also presented a felicitation to the Chief Minister in acknowledgment of his continued support to the media fraternity.
At the onset of the programme, a documentary titled “The Sacred Steps to Tholung” was screened, highlighting the revered ceremony Khamsel, which is observed once every three years. The film showed how devotees take part in a difficult journey, walking through steep and rough paths to reach the holy place.
A panel discussion on the theme Safeguarding Press Credibility Amidst Rising Misinformation was held, featuring two speakers who shared insights on the evolving landscape of journalism and the challenges posed by the growing spread of misinformation.
The first speaker, Ms Priyanshi Sharma, Co-founder of Peek TV, is an award-winning prime-time journalist and mediopreneur. She is a Torchbearer Awardee from ISB and a former Principal Anchor at NDTV.
The second speaker, Mr Vedanta Agarwal, Co-founder of Peek TV, is known as India’s youngest prime-time news anchor at the age of 23. A former Principal Anchor and Correspondent, NDTV.
The session discussed reflections on maintaining press integrity, fostering public trust, and adapting journalistic practices in a rapidly changing digital media environment.
The programme also had the presence of Ecclesiastical Department, Public Health Engineering Department, Water Resources Department Department, Mr Sonam Lama, Minister, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Education Department, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Mr Raju Basnet, Agriculture Department, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, Fisheries Department Horticulture Department, Mr Puran Gurung
MLA cum Advisor, Public Health Engineering Department, Water Resource Department, Mr Lok Nath Sharma, MLA cum Advisor, Culture Department, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mr Thinlay Tshering Bhutia, MLA cum Advisor, Rural Development Department, Ms Kala Rai, Former Legislators, Advisor to HCM, Political Secretaries to HCM, Zilla Adakshya, Gangtok, Advisors, Chairpersons, Head of Departments from various line departments, OSDs, Executives of Press Club if Sikkim, Literary Organisations, Members from the Press, students and other dignitaries.
The Vote of Thanks was proposed by Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Mr Sunil Mothay.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK