Kathmandu, Mar. 1: Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokharel has said that some of the political leaders have such mindset that they would continuously reap benefit if the political situation was destabilized.

At a programme organised on the occasion of the second anniversary of International Network for Nepali Journalists (INNJA) here today, DPM Pokharel wondered what the condition of the country would be if the government faced political instability continuously. He suggested the media persons to disseminate news in favour of country and the people following democratic norms, value and process.

The DPM called all to be united for national ambition of 'Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis' though they are in different professions. He lauded the role played by INNJA for creating environment to make people happy, prosperous and self- reliant. He opined, "INNJA has initiated good step to honour and award the people for their remarkable contribution to the nation. It should be continued."

On the occasion, INNJA Litterateur Award was presented to senior litterateur Chudamani Regmi for his notable contribution on Nepali language and literature from moffusil. The award carries a purse of 1,000 US dollar.
Lyricist Ambika Gurung, living in the US, had sponsored the amount for the prize.

Similarly, Menuka Dhungana (Achham) and Prakash Singh (Bajura) were conferred on the INNJA Community Journalism Award carrying the purse of 500 dollars each. The amount for the award was sponsored by Sunita Khatri who is living in the US.

Dhungana and Singh were awarded for their investigative reporting on Chhaupadi, an ill custom of excluding menstruating women from home, especially in the mid-west and far-west of Nepal.

On the occasion, Chairperson of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Govind Acharya, complained that the government forwarded the Media Council Bill without holding adequate consultation with the stakeholders.

Chairperson of the Nepal Television, Dr Mahendra Bista, observed that Nepali journalism was making professional stride of late.

Award selection committee coordinator Tirtha Koirala viewed that the award conferred on the journalists bringing forth social evils and making people aware would inspire all to devote to good works.

Central Chairperson of INNJA, Gunaraj Luitel, informed that INNJA was formed to foster connection and coordination among the Nepali journalists working in the country and abroad.

Moreover, the Nepal Television Chairperson Dr Bista, Chief Editor of Nepal Samacharpatra daily, Kapil Kafle, member of Press Council Nepal, Sangita Khadka, former member of the National Information Commission, Kiran Pokhrel, and Vice-Chairperson of Journalist's Society for Parliamentary Affairs, Krishna Poudel were honoured at the programme.

The INNJA also handed over Rs 1.4 million to the family of journalist Kamal Poudel, who has been battling cancer.