The Kalyan Barooah Memorial Awards for Excellence in Journalism is a significant annual honour recognizing journalists who have shown remarkable dedication in reporting on issues related to the Northeast region of India. Instituted in the memory of the late Kalyan Barooah, a distinguished Delhi-based journalist of The Assam Tribune known for bringing Northeastern issues to the national platform, the awards aim to promote comprehensive and sensitive coverage of the region.

Key Aspects of the Award

• Honouring Regional Journalism: The awards highlight the critical role of journalists in the Northeast, often working in challenging conditions characterized by issues like insurgency, ethnic conflicts, development deficit, and the constant need for greater national visibility. 
  • This underscores the importance of the Fourth Pillar of Democracy in conflict zones and for regional balance.
• Focus on Integration: The awards are jointly conferred by the North East Media Forum (NEMF), a Delhi-based journalists’ body, and My Home India, an NGO dedicated to fostering emotional integration between the people of the North Eastern Region and the rest of India. 
• Media Categories: The awards span various platforms, reflecting the contemporary media landscape:
  • Lifetime Achievement Award (e.g., Monalisa Changkija of The Nagaland Page in the 3rd edition for sustained contribution).
  • Print Media (e.g., Amal Goswami of Dainik Janambhumi).
  • Electronic Media (e.g., Kshetrimayum Premchand of SKTV News, Imphal).
  • Digital Media (e.g., Mridul Kumar Handique of Pratidin Digital).
• Contextual Significance: As highlighted by Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, the awards champion the principle that journalists must ask questions and seek accountability. 
  • This is crucial for strengthening democratic ethos and governance in a region where issues of developmental lag and political sensitivity are often prevalent 

Exam hook: Prelims Question

Statement MCQ: Consider the following statements regarding the Kalyan Barooah Memorial Awards:

1. They are given to journalists who have excelled in reportage on issues relating to the North Eastern region of India.
2. They are jointly instituted by the North East Media Forum (NEMF) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
3. The Lifetime Achievement Award for the 3rd edition was conferred upon Monalisa Changkija, a journalist associated with The Nagaland Page.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 1 and 3 only

C) 2 and 3 only

D) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: B) 1 and 3 only. (The awards are jointly given by NEMF and My Home India, an NGO, not the Ministry of I&B).

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