INTRODUCTION
Kalimpong Press Club is an organisation of Journalists and free lancers as well as lovers of Journalism. Having its main Office in Kalimpong of the District of Darjeeling, India, it was established on 16th November 1998 with an objective to unite local journalists for the betterment of media, acquire admissible rights of the media and media persons and assist the administation and other bodies working for the smooth function and development of the society and public institutions.
It aims to bring all the people related to journalism in a single platform for the benefit and development of the society. Started with eight journalists now it has 50 members of which 20 are working journalists while the 30 are persons interested or having a taste in journalism categorized under associate members.
It is a registered regional Press Club of working journalists consisting of editors, sub editors, technical editors, correspondent and resident reporters, videojournalists, photojournalists, freelancers, columnists, cartoonists working in different local vernacular and English dailies and other periodicals as well as electronic media, and persons interested in journalism. Mostly the members hail from different localities of Kalimpong Sub Division of Darjeeling District in the state of West Bengal, India.
BACKGROUND HISTORY AND ACTIVITIES OF THE CLUB:
Initially Kalimpong Press Club served just as a platform for release of new books magazines, newspapers and periodicals. Different books, periodicals published at that time were released in the meeting of KPC. It also observed birth days of eminent writers, journalists which were ignored by the society. Eminent journalists like Dr. Harka Bahadur Chhetri and Mr.Subash Dipak were also felicitated by the Club for their achievement in the literary and journalistic fields.
Activities: Only from the year 2000 it started to function as a press body giving representations to the governmental bodies for the rights of the Journalists and succeeded to exercise the rights and provisions readily available in the local level.As a part of introducing NGOs of Kalimpong to the Press as well as public it started to organize Press meet called Meet the Press with different NGO’s.
International Book & Copyrights day:
Anmol Prasad Speaking on the International Book & Copyright Day
It gave stress to observe different important days starting from International Book & Copyrights day. On 22nd April 2002 it observed the day by educating people about copyright through a seminar in which Mr. Anmol Prasad an advocate and Rev D.K.Khaling the first Diploma holder of Hills in Journalism from Calcuttta University spoke on the topic. It also tried to inculcate the love for drama by staging dramas like Itiahas bhitrako arko itihas of Prativa Kala Niketan and Sun ko Aunthi by Himalayan theatre academy.
Police - Public relationship
On 20th Nov 2004 Kalimpong Press Club initiated a new era in the history of Kalimpong by organizing Interactive programmes with live transmission of the same in the Local Cable TV network. The first programme was organized on the occasion of its 6th Foundation Day and named as Sajha Manch and the topic was Police Public relationship. Mr.SK Gazmer, the then ASP of the WBP had to face Mr.Samsher Ali (Public representative), Mr.Gyan Bdr Chhetri (Drivers rep), Dr.Din Dayal Agarwal (rep of Business Community) in the panel with Prof. Wangchuk Basi as Mediator. The programme coordinated by Mr.AK Rai was facilitated by Phone-in facility for the viewers to ask their queries and give suggestions to the panelists during live transmission. It concluded with remarks of Mr.C.K.Shrestha as an observer of the programme. It had a remarkable impact and had a commendable after effect mending the police public relationship.
Role of Media and Regional Journalism
Afterwards Interactive programmes were observed from time to time, especially during the annual foundation day of Club. On 16th Nov 2005 National Press Day was observed along with the Foundation day of the Club and the topic of the interactive programme was Role of Media and Regional Journalism. Dr.H.B.Chhetri, Mr.C.K.Shrestha, Advocate Prabhakar Dewan were in the panel and Mr.Vinay Raj Tiwari Sr.Journalist and Sr.Correspondent AIR Gangtok was invited as Observer.
On 6th April 2005 another Meet the Press with Mr.Krishna Psd Humagain, Secretary, Nepal Journalist Association was organized to exchange the views and the situation faced by the Journalists of Nepal from the then Monarch. Similar programme was organised with Mr. Raj Mithaulia, President of the Kolkata Press Club from whom we came to know about the different categories of Press membership. We implemented the same in our Club by inviting dignitaries and interested persons as Associate members.
Establishment of National Hydroelectricity Power Project
Inspired by the compliments of the previous Interactive programme, the controversial issue of establishment of National Hydroelectricity Power Project in the Teesta valley was raised by the Club by organizing another Interactive programme. “ Establishment of NHPC how far it is beneficial to the local people ”a 3rd Presentation of Sajha Manch was organized on 7th October 2006.Mr. S.Khatua, Chief Engineer of NHPC Teesta Low Dam Project III with Mr. B.K.Parajuli, Publicity Officer and other Officers had to face the panelists Mr. Tshering Dorjay Bhutia, President of Kalimpong Mainline Taxi Drivers Welfare Association with Mr. Hem P Gautam, Secretary of Bus Owners’ Assn, Mrs. Tekla Dhakal, Teacher, Mr.K.P.Gautam, Journalist to answer their queries. It had Mr. AK Rai assisted by Mr. Bhuan Khanal as the Mediators.
Fall in the Use of Nepali literature and language
16th Nov 2006 was the occasion of the Club’s 8th Foundation Day & National Press Day. 4th Episode of Sajha Manch, the Interactive programme was organized on “Fall in the Use of Nepali literature and language and its remedial measures” on the occasion . Literary figures like Dr. Harka bdr Chhetri, Prof.Diwakar Pradhan, Prof.B.R.Chhetri, Mr.Yogbir Sakya were in the panel while Mr. P.R.Pradhan, an eminent educationist was the Observer. The programme was mediated by Mr.Hira Chhetri and Mr.Bhuan Khanal.
DAINANDINI
Our late President (1998-2007) Mr.Karma Wangdi Molommu (Kamal), a photojournalist of Himalchuli and Sunchari had a dream of starting a local news channel and telecast it in the local cable Tv . This dream of starting a news programme to be telecasted in the local cable TV Network that caters about 6 thousand households came true on 15th March 2007. The Club started an informative news programme DAINANDINI of 30 minutes on alternate days.
Having had no infrastructure and resource this programme was started with the financial aid provided by sponsors who spared their equipments for the use of the programme. The journalist members of the Club while working for their papers are sparing their time and working for Dainandini totally free of cost. Local Videographers and members of the club are helping for the production with their equipments and knowhow. It is running at the expense of the advertisements collected.
There is a board to supervise the work and there are 5 Persons engaged as full timer while 6 are part timers. Of the full timers there is a Chief Editor, Editor, Reporter, Videographer, News Video Editor. And the part timers include 2 videographers, one Office superintendent cum Treasurer, one assistant and two news readers. Besides these, two videographers voluntarily help the unit while other members of the club too give their helping hand in need. A few interested persons also send footages and information as news material at their own expenditures.
A simple video editing computer is donated by some sponsor and 3 sponsors have lent 3 Video Cameras for use. But in extreme cases of emergency they have to use more cameras on hire. With the spearheading of agitation in Darjeeling hills there was no alternative for us than to telecast Dainandini everyday. It is now being telecasted at 7 pm in the evening and re telecasted at 7am in the next morning. There is lack of resource, source of income and advertisements as such the 5 full timers are facing hard to earn their bread.
The Board of Dainandini is trying to get as much commercial advertisements as possible for enhancement of the salary to the staff but the resource is not satisfactory. Though the Board wants to improve the infrastructure by owning a room or hiring a small but soundproof studio, one more computer, more advanced video editing hardware, video cameras of standard quality for news making, and more broadcast equipments, they are just dreams.
For the last 8 years the Club did not have an Office room instead residence of Late K.W.Molommu, President of the Club was used as temporary Office. Finally we decided to rent a room and use it as an Office cum studio for shooting news programme. The Office cum studio of Kalimpong Press Club was inaugurated on 6th May 2007 with a single room partitioned by bifurcating it to Office and studio.
As a fund drive programme dramas like Sunko aunthi was staged at Ramakrishna Rangamanch from 2nd to 4th July 2007. Mr.Deoraj Sherpa, Mrs.Menuka Pradhan were some of the Artists. The members pay Rs. 100 as membership fee every year while the life members pay Rs. 2000 at a time. Some of the members have donated chairs, and other furniture for our Office. But we are in an urgent need of a Office in the heart of the town. For communication we need a centralised Office accommodation but no land is available in the town. The only alternative is to buy rooms on lease in some shopping or housing complex of the town. For this a huge sum of money is required, which is just a dream for us. Whatever land we have been promised by some well wishers are located out of the town. So there is no other alternative than to raise at least Rs.7 to 10 lakh for the leased room and for our sustainability.
8th Foundation Day & National Press Day was observed on 16th Nov 2007 with another Interactive Programme 5th Episode of “SAJHA MANCH”. Mr. Swaraj Thapa, Political Editor of the Financial Express , New Delhi spoke on Gorkhas in the eyes of Non Gorkhas while Dr. Rajendra Psd. Dhakal, Principal of Kalimpong College gave his speech on Gorkhas in the eyes of Gorkhas in Darjeeling Hills. The programme was coordinated by Mr.Pradip Lohagun and mediated by Mr.Alvin Lama. After their speech there was an Interactive session. On the same day Mr. Swaraj Thapa, presented a paper in the Seminar on Rights of Field Journalists and Free Lancers.
Is Bundh the only solution of a problem
6th Episode of SAJHA MANCH was presented on 2nd Dec 2007 with another exclusive interactive programme on “Is Bundh the only solution of a problem?” It was just to focus on the prevailing bundhs of that period of time in the hills by different political parties.Representatives of 5 political parties except GNLF with representatives of public, business community, students, teachers, motor vehicles were in the panel. The programme was mediated by Mr. Alvin Lama.
Present Examination System
Another Interactive Programme was organized on 6th April 2008 at 2.00pm in the Dainandini Office/Studio on the Problems and Possible Solutions of the Present Examination Conduction Programme / System highlighting the mass copying techniques prevailing in some schools and the remedial steps taken. Heads of Higher Secondary Schools, Representatives of Teachers Union and Students were in the panel.
National Relevance of the Demand of Gorkhaland in the present Political Context
.JPG)
On 12th August 2008 a vital interactive programme was organized by the Club on “National Relevance of the Demand of Gorkhaland in the present Political Context.” Keeping in view of the present scenario of the Gorkhaland movement it was necessary for the local media too to observe the situation in national point of view. Mr. Joel Rai, Deputy Editor of India Today Group, New Delhi addressed the seminar cum Interactive programme as a resource person. In addition to that Prof. Munish Tamang of Motilal Nehru College, of Delhi University was invited as an Analytical Observer. Mr. Alvin Lama, an entrepreneur cum social activist who heads Good Shepherd Hospitality Management Institute, and Dr. Rajendra Bhandari of Sikkim Govt. College were the Commentators while Mr. Barun Roy, a faculty of Southfield College and who is the chief of beacononline.com.wordpress and Mr. C.K.Shrestha. a, thinker cum journalist cum dramatist and Working President of Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh observed the whole programme and gave conclusive remarks on it. Intellectuals, Journalists, Students of Colleges, Institutes & HS Schools, Teachers, Officials of reputed Clubs, Associations, organisations & Leaders of all Political parties were present in the programme. Later in the day Mr. Joel Rai and Prof. Munish Tamang were in the panel to answer the queries of the audience which had Prof. Anukampa Subba as the mediator of the programmme.
On 22nd September 2008 a Meet the Press with Swaraj Thapa Sr. Journalist was organized . He shared his experience and his opinion regarding the 1st tripartite meeting held on 8th September 2008 between the GJM,Govt of West Bengal and Govt. of India at New Delhi.
Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar Award:
Manoj Dahal, the Mt. Everest Climber
Bharat Chhetri, the Plympc Hockey Player
Parents of Bharat Receiving the Award
Dr.Mikthuk Foning
Wife of Mikthuk Receiving the Award
Sukh bdr Tamang Receiving the Special Gallantry Award
On 16th November 2008 Mr. Manoj Dahal, Mount Everest Climber, Mr. Bharat Chhetri, National Hockey player and Dr. Mikthuk S. Foning, an eminent Horticulturist were honoured with Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar by Kalimpong Press Club. They were felicitated by the Club on its tenth Foundation day cum National Press Day on 16th November 2008 at Ramkrishna Rangamanch.
Started with welcome address of Shanti Thatal and a power point presentation on the background history and activities of the Club by AK Rai, Secretary of the Club it was attended by dignitaries of Kalimpong.
Hira Chhetri conveyed good wishes sent by senior media personnel working in different parts of the country as well as gave a brief report on the future programme of the Club’s year long Anniversary celebration. Umesh Tamang narrated the biography of the recipient of Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar presented with the help of short documentaries. Of the six nominations selected Mr. Manoj Dahal was the recipient of 1st Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar in the adventure category. 29years old Manoj is son of Narad mani Dahal and a resident of Chhibo Busty Manoj had ascended Mount Everest on 20th May 06 with 6 other BSF jawans. Manoj a BSF cadet of 107 Battalion is now 29 years old and had climbed Mt.Kanchanjonga(928170ft) on 25.05.08 and other peaks on different ascent. The other recipient of 1st Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar was Mr. Bharat Chhetri a resident of 16th Mile Kalimpong and son of S/O Karna bdr Chhetri and Smt Parvati. He is a National Hockey player and had participated in Olympic qualifier match in 2008 in which India was placed 2nd. Bharat (27yrs) started his career as a skipper from the year 2000 by joining Army Boys Team and Indian Hockey Team from 2001. His participation in the first tournament won Gold in Junior World Cup. Thereafter his active participation in Hockey as a goal keeper in several tournaments, tests, championship match including Mini Gold Cup, Asian Games, Champions Trophy, Afro Asian and others were praised by Sports critics for his extra effort. His outstanding effort made India proud to get Gold in Jr. World Cup 2001 held in Australia defeating Argentina, Mini Gold Cup held in Dacca in the year 2001 defeating Pakistan, Afro Asian Cup 2003 defeating Pakistan, Asian Games 2007 defeating Korea . Now he is in Bangalore training camp for the forthcoming Test Match in Pakistan.
Dr. Mikthuk S.Foning (54yrs) received Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar for his contribution to the field of agricultural development. He is pioneer and founder President of Kalimpong Horticultural Society. His contribution towards the Agri-horticultural development is commendable due to his organizational, field and research work. All of them were awarded with a memento, angavastra (shawl) and a citation by the Chief Guest Mr. Nar Bahadur Dahal , recipient of the Parasmani Puraskar and a prominent litterateur and free lance journalist.
Mr. Sukh bahadur Tamang, a rafting rescuer of Triveni, Teesta was also felicitated with a special citation for his outstanding rescue operations of the dead and living in disasters, flood and accidents. 35 years old Tamang’s latest rescue in Bihar flood with other rafting personnel was noteworthy in which they rescued more than 1200 persons.
Senior Citizens’ Quiz Contest was also organized on the day. Prominent retired senior Government Officers, principals, managers, journalists (5ladies and 10 gentlemen) represented the five teams. The team A consisted Messer’s Udai Kumai, L.K. Thapa, and Mrs. D.R.Dixit, while B had Messer’s K.K.Dixit, J.N. Pradhan and Mrs. Lalita Pradhan. Team C consisted Messer’s C.K. Pradhan, P.D. Pradhan and Mrs. Hiran G. Shrestha, Team D consisted Messer’s B.K. Shilal L.B.Ghimirey and Dr. Saroja Rai and Team E consisted Messer’s N.P. Dixit, D.N. Pradhan and Dr. Monila De. Quiz Master Mr. Suraj Mani Pradhan handled the seniors with sympathetic questions and care. Senior Citizens were encouraged to participate in answering the questions based on our society and us. The quiz divided into 6 rounds accompanied by simple but serious questions belonging to their times were enjoyed with amusement, charm and enthusiasm. The quizzers as well as audience were refreshed with 3 hours of quizzing. Audiences were also encouraged to answer the unanswered questions and rewarded with small gift hampers
S Pradhan the Quiz Master
The winner was Team B while Mrs. D.R.Dixit was declared the best participant quizzer. The winner, runners up and participants were awarded mementoes. In the programme Rajen Chhetri helped in distribution of certificates to the Life members of the club. Kalyan Thapa gave vote of thanks while Surendra Kumai hosted the release of a book of humour named Byourah . The programme was telecasted live in the local cable television produced by Dainandini news group a unit of the club.
Dorjee Tshering Memorial Chess Championship 2009:
To revive the love of Chess as a hobby and a game Kalimpong Press Club organized Dorjee Tshering Memorial Chess Championship 2009 on 31st January and 1st February 2009 in Ramkrishna Rangamanch Kalimpong.
16 participants of all age group participated in the two days contest. With the help of the family members of Late Dorjee Tshering Lepcha an eminent Chess player of Kalimpong , and friends like Dr. Rajendra P. Dhakal (Principal of Kalimpong College), Mr. Anmol Prasad (Senior Advocate) and Dr. Harka bdr. Chhetri (Critic) and Mr. Madhusudn Lama (Musician) the championship was organized in 6 rounds and following the International Chess Rules.
Mr. Umesh Agarwal was declared the winner while Mr. Mohan Baraily was the runner-up. Cash prize, memento and citation with medals were awarded to the winners and participants. Mr. Mitendra I Chhetri , Sub Divisional Information Officer the Chief Guest and Mrs. Pashu Lhamu wife of Late Dorjee Tshering and Mr. Pema Lepcha father of Late DT Lepcha , the Guests of Honour of the programme gave away the prizes. Mr. Madhusudan Lama , the Chief arbiter of the competition along with Mr. Samsher Ali conducted the tournament. Other of top ten position holders were Messers Asif Sultan , Anish Darnal, Sangam Thapa, D.T.Bhutia, Miss Shivani Sharma, Gokul Sharma, Rajiv Thapa and Nilesh Kharga.
SEMINAR ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING
A Media Seminar on Human Trafficking and allied issues was Co-hosted by Kalimpong Press Club and organized by Department of Information and Cultural Affairs on 6th March 2009 in Ramakrishna Rangamanch at Kalimpong.
The seminar attended by the representatives of different NGOs was inaugurated by Mr. Amiyas Tshering Sitling , SDO and the Chief Guest of the programme while Mr. Mitendra Chhetri , Sub Divisional Information and Cultural Officer, Kalimpong welcomed the Guests. Mr.P.D.Bal District Information and Cultural Officer highlighted the objective of the programme that focused on trafficking of women as sex worker.
Mr. A.K.Rai, Secretary, Kalimpong Press Club in his presentation mentioned about the role of the media on the subject.Mr. Rai also mentioned about the merits and demerits of making a story on a particular incident of human trafficking and the reaction of the readers. He also highlighted the limitations of media personnel and the risk on covering a story. Mr. Vivek Chhetri, of Darjeeling Press Guild also stressed that we should be more serious on this problem . It was substantiated by an audiovisual presentation of interviews produced by Darjeeling Press Guild in which housewives of all age group mentioned their ordeal and the reason behind working as a flying sex worker .
Ms Rongo Shouria, of the Kanchenjumga Uddhar Kendra, Siliguri shared her experiences of rescue operation of the trafficked girls and the problems she faced during and after the operation. The M.C. of the seminar was Mr. Suraj Mani Pradhan who also mediated the Interactive Session as Moderator.
Attended by the representatives of Kanchenjumga Uddhar Kendra, Siliguri; Sanlaap,Siliguri; CINI, Siliguri; Mary ward development Centre, Siliguri; FOSEP, Darjeeling; Hill Social Welfare Society, Kalimpong; Anugyalaya,Kalimpong; ICDS workers of Kalimpong the interactive session had Dr. Mira Sinha, (ICDS); Mr. P.K.Bardewa, Dy.Magistrate (SDOs Office); Mr. Rakesh Gurung,OC Rangpo (Darjeeling Police), Mr. Samsher Ali; Messers Vivek Chhetri, Amitava Banerjee, Sanjay Pradhan, Surendra Poddar, Kalyan Thapa, Pradip Lohagun (Media)in the panel. The interactive session highlighted the problems faced due to inadequate governmental aid and cooperation. It also stressed upon the hostile and unfriendly attitude of the police to the victim and the NGOs working on the field as well as unavailability of any help from government for establishing such counseling as well as rehabilitation centres and homes for the victims of the crime. Representatives of the NGOs shared their problems faced during rescue operation and apprehending the culprits. Finally it was decided that the people of rural areas in the grass root level should be made aware about the crime. All NGOs, Media and Governmental Organisations should help each other to coordinate their activities in educating the mass about the causes, modus operandi, culprit, hazards of human trafficking and the ways of controlling the incidents of trafficking. It also stressed upon the need of a powerful NGO for rescue operation with networking capacity as well as physical, psychological treatment Centre and rehabilitation Centre with adequate self supporting programme. Representative members of more than 15 NGOs including ADP Himalaya- World Vision, IRCS, Parbatiya Nari Ayog, Krishak Kalyan Sangathan, Dukha Niwarak Sammelan, Cluny Sisters, Nazareth Social Service Society, DISHA, Kalimpong and others attended the seminar.
Kalimnews, Kalimpong, 23 Aug : 27 would be Journalists completed a three days’ workshop organized by Kalimpong Press Club. Certificates were distributed to the participants of the workshop by Alvin Lama, Director of Good Shepherd Institute of Hospitality Management on 23rd August during the closing ceremony of the Workshop in Sub Divisional Library. Several speakers spoke on the success of the programme.
It is recalled that three day long Workshop on Journalism was inaugurated at Sub-Division Library on 20th August. The function was attended by Captain (Retd) Prakash Mani Pradhan, Director, Rockvale Academy as chief guest who congratulated Kalimpong Press Club, the organizer of the workshop for holding the programme and viewed that it was not only the responsibility of the Club to organize such society oriented programmes but also the duties of concerned citizens to act for the cause of the society. He also appealed the youths of the hills to concentrate in specialized fields of report writing and make efforts to expose themselves in the national mainstream journalism. Alvin Lama, Director, Good Shepherd Institute of Hospitality Management also echoed Pradhan’s view and said that the media personnels should guide the society in time of the need. The inauguration session was also addressed by Moti Prashad Sharma a columnist and Samsher Ali a prominent social activist.
In the afternoon session Kumar Chhetri, Ex-Professor, Kalimpong College addressed the trainee journalists who had come from all walks of the sub-division. In his session Chhetri gave basic concept of the journalism while Punu Lucksom, Audio-Video Engineer delivered speech on the technical prospects in the media particularly pertaining to photography and videography.All the thirty participants were imparted with various useful training ranging from the subjects like field journalism, regional journalism, electronic media and web media, legal aspects of the journalism by resource persons including free lancer Hira Chhetri, President of Sikkim Press Association Parasmani Dangal, Photo Journalist from Guwahati Nanda Kirati Dewan and Senior Advocate and Secretary, Kalimpong Bar Association Prabhakar Dewan. Executive Member of Kalimpong Press Club Kalyan Thapa presented the paper on behalf of Web Journalist Barun Roy.
According to Umesh Tamang, Co-ordinator of the Workshop, the last day’s session included field training for which all the participants were divided into different groups of three members each and assigned to undergo practical training for about three hours. On completion of all the sessions the participants were awarded certificates of merit during the closing ceremony, he added. Tamang has expressed thankfulness to all the concerned personalities and organizations of Kalimpong who came forward to extend possible assistance to the Club in organizing the programme.
It may be recalled that Kalimpong Press Club organized the three day long Workshop on Journalism as a part of monthly programmes on its completion of ten years of existence. The club has decided to organize various programmes throughout the year 2009 to commemorate the occasion. It has also organized Quiz of Senior Citizens, Chess Tournament etc. in recent past.
COLOUR OF NATURE ORGANISED BY PRESS CLUB
Umesh Tamang
HIRA CHHETRI
A.K.RAI
SAMUEL MODEST
SAMTEN KABO & HIS WIFE
SAMTEN KABO
N.R.PRADHAN, Chief Guest inaugurating the Exhibition
Pix: D.K.Waiba & Samiran Paul
KalimNews, Kalimpong, 10 Sept 09: The beauty of Kalimpong and nature was presented by Samten Kabo in Kalimpong today through his photo images. Speaking to an audience at Ramkrishna Rangamanch in Kalimpong Chief Guest Nava Ratna Pradhan principal of SUMI who inaugurated the show Colour of Nature said that Samten’s photography is an example of his hard work and consistency to photography.
The photographic exhibition was inaugurated with a word of prayer by Reverend Mathias Subba who emphasized that God’s beautiful creation is manifested through Samten’s images. Sam Modest a photographer by hobby and a visitor from the states, the Guest of Honour of the occasion said in his message on photography that Samten’s images have the best combination of colour and light. Umesh Tamang conducted the programme while A.K.Rai introduced Samten to the audience and Hira Chhetri higlighted the importance of the Exhibition and Press Club's Yearlong programme in the Three days’ exhibition organized by Kalimpong Press Club started from today till 12th of September.
Samten is an amateur self taught freelancer who is photojournalist of Sunakhari Samachar a Nepali daily with 8 years of experience in this field. He started photography in 2001with Minolta 370X an analog Camera and later withNikon F65, In 2005 he bought SLR Nikon D50 and now using Nikon D40X and Coolpix S10 all digitals
His photos are published in the magazines like “Better Photography”, “Smart Photography” and “Asian Photography”.
In June 2007 his photo “Ecstasy” was selected for 10 best images of the year in Better Photography. In April 2008 Smart Photography (national magazine) featured him in the “Kaleidoscope” section and rewarded him an Epson photo printer.
Even today they use his images for magazine with his prior consent. Photo sites like eyefetch.com has presented him 81Awards through 7Contest Medals and 21Group Contest Medals in the website. His photos are available in the siteswww.fotoflock.com, photogalaxy.com, photcommunity.com and smartphotography.com. Several pictures were sold and booked for sale on the very first day of exhibition.
11th Foundation Day and National Press Day Observed in Kalimpong - Golay awarded Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar
KalimNews, Kalimpong 16th Nov: Mr. Lalit Golay a renowned film and video actor, comedian, story writer, lyricist and director was honoured with 2nd Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar for his contribution in the field of Film and Video by Kalimpong Press Club. During the closing of the Club’s 10th foundation day and on the occasion of 11th Foundation day and National Press Day Celebration at Ramkrishna Rangamanch Golay was honoured with a silver memento and a citation . Ecotourism and Neora Valley National Park by Sahadeo Giri the Club felicitated the Kumudini Homes and Jubilee High Schools of Kalimpong which celebrated Platinum and Rockvale Academy and Mt. Carmel School celebrated Silver Jubilee this year. Dr.G.C.Subba Director of Medicinal and Other Plantation, Chief Guest of the programme also launched Kalimpong News a blog site of news administered by the Club having the address http://kalimpongonlinenews.blogspot.com. Wifred Singh was also felicitated for his best caption "Human hive" for the Caption Contest held during the Photography exhibition -Colour of Nature.
The award was sponsored by the family of late D.D.Rai of Gorubathan and in the programme it was announced that from the next year the award will be sponsored by Capt P.M.Pradhan, Principal of Rockvale Academy in memory of his late father B.B.Pradhan.
It is reminded that last year Mr. Manoj Dahal, Mount Everest Climber, Mr. Bharat Chhetri, National Hockey player and Dr. Mikthuk S. Foning, an eminent Horticulturist were honoured with first ever Kaleybung Ratna Puraskar and Kalimpong Press Club organised a year long programme like Senior Citizens' Quiz competition, Chess Competition, Photography exhibition, Seminar on Human Trafficking in collaboration with I&C dept, 3 day Workshop on Journalism on the occasion of its completion of tenth year of establishment.
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