Imphal: The Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT) observed the 61st Birth Anniversary of Khelen Thokchom at Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai here on Wednesday.
The media advisor to the Manipur Chief Minister, editors, senior journalists, representatives of Youth Forum and Meira Paibi of Tera Tongbram Leikai, KTT members, family members and well-wishers of the late senior journalist were present during the observation.
Paying floral tribute to the departed soul at the memorial statue of the late journalist, presentation of a certificate and a shawl to Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship (KTMF) recipient journalist Ng Liklaileima of The Sangai Express were the main highlights of the observation.
President Tongbram Pishak of Youth Forum, TeraTongbram Leikai also spoke on the occasion while 3rd KTMF recipient journalist Liklaileima shared her experiences and findings in compiling her comprehensive reports on the “Challenges and opportunities of urbanisation in Manipur.”
Earlier giving the keynote address, Secretary of the KTT Sobhapati Samom said the KTMF programme was initiated with an objective to enhance the writing skills of journalists in the state in diverse fields.
So far, the KTMF programme was awarded to four journalists belonging to different media houses in the state.
Sports reporter Heikrujam Sadananda Singh of Poknapham and ST Lelen Vaiphei of Imphal Free Press were awarded the 1st edition of KTMF programme in 2018-2019 to write special stories on “Prospect of Cricket in Manipur”.
Similarly, Babie Shirin of Imphal Free Press was selected for the 2nd edition of the KTMF programme in 2019-2020 to produce researched-based stories on “Manipur’s Dying Water Resources”.
In the 3rd edition of the KTMF programme 2020-2021, journalist Ng Liklaileima of The Sangai Express was selected.
For the first time, the KTT will be inviting applications from the intending TV and print journalists having a minimum of three years experience in journalism to apply for the 4th edition of the KTMF programme.
On the occasion, the KTT announced the fellowship’s theme for the year 2021-22 as “Vanishing playfields of Manipur and its impact on health and sports”.
