: UNICEF Honours 40 media persons for exceptional reporting on Children
Raipur 24 April 2023: UNICEF today honoured 40 media persons in Chhattisgarh for their
exceptional reporting on children and women. The awardees include reporters, stringers,
photojournalists and camera persons in the print, television, radio and digital news platforms.
The awards, titled ‘Media4Children awards’, are given by UNICEF in collaboration with
Kushabhav Thakre University and MSSVP to promote and advocate child rights.
Presenting the awards, Mr Charandas Mahant, Speaker of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly
said, “Media has an important role in disseminating life-saving information and in encouraging the
public to access essential services. ‘Media4Children’ awards will promote the well-being of
children and women in the state. I commend UNICEF’s work in nutrition, health and protection
and assure my support to their efforts in the state” he added.
Job Zachariah, Chief of UNICEF Chhattisgarh said there is strong evidence to show that media
has helped to improve the well-being of children in Chhattisgarh. “Media has promoted childfriendly behaviours in families like exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, handwashing
with soap, ensuring immunization of children and use of toilet by all. These practices in families
will prevent child death, diseases, malnutrition and anaemia”, he said. Quoting examples of how
media played a critical role in reducing child labour and child marriage, Mr Zachariah said that
media can bring social change in families and communities that will improve the health, nutrition,
education and protection of children. “Media can also bring issues relating to children at the centre
stage of policy and decision,” he said.
The awards attracted more than 120 entries from across the state in 5 categories. The print media
category included Hindi and English dailies. The entries were evaluated by a jury representing
media, academia, government and civil society.
Syam Sudheer Bandi, UNICEF Communication Specialist said UNICEF has been working with
media across the state to build capacities and also encourage reporters and stringers to report
on women and children. “The awards and fellowships are a token of appreciation and recognition
for the media’s relentless support to child rights discourse in the state”, he added.
The awardees in the print media category are Gargi Verma (The New Indian Express), John
Rajesh Paul, Amitabh Arun Dubey of Dainik Bhaskar, Aakash Srivastava ( Patrika), Abhishek
Banerjee ( Nav Bharat), Satyapal Singh Rajpur ( Lalluram), Shikar Dewangan ( Zee Chhattisgarh,
Siddhant Sharma ( Radio Mirchi) Kushboo Soni (Maadhaym Digital) and Shaik Sameer won
photography awards.
Apart from awards, 15 fellowships were awarded to stringers and reporters to encourage reporting
The award includes a citation and a cash prize.
John Rajesh Paul of Dainik Bhaskar stories on orphaned children during COVID-19 pandemic,
and Amitabh Arun Dubey’s stories of health have immensely contributed to the well-being of
women and children in the state. Gargi Verma’s insightful and constructive reportage on children
in the Bastar area has resulted in her winning the prestigious awards.
The Speaker also awarded social media influencers for their contribution to World Children’s Day
celebrations in 2022. The Instagram reels made by the young influencers took child rights to
millions across the country. Khemeshwar Setiya who won the first prize is from Tokapal, Bastar
spoke about the importance of girl education, Sohil Agrawal and Domendra Nishad who won
second and third prizes.
Mr Subhash Dhuppad, Chairman, Raipur Development Authority, Mr Rajesh Lahoti, Editor,
Patrika, and Mr Gaurav Dwivedi, Advisor to Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh were also
present and congratulated the award winners.
