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April 02, 2009
Munishowr Memorial Disability Journalism Award; examples of good strategies-Nepal
By K. C. Deepak
No one can deny the power of Medias in 21st century. Particularly if you are an activist and want to change the society but have not made the smooth relationship with Medias you are probably missing the boat. There may different ways and methods but nothings would be more effective and sustainable than working with Medias. Good news is that CIL-Kathamdu has already realized the importance of Medias for its long lasting impacts to popularize our issues and to gain the public support through various ways and methods. One of our strategies is to honor the journalist by establishing the different prizes and awards recognizing their every effort they made to popularize our issues in mainstreaming to society.
A Munishowr Memorial Disability Journalism award is one of them (established to the name of late Disabled Leader who was very active in disabled movement of Nepal) which CIL-Kathmandu is jointly organizing since last 3 years with Munishowr Memorial Society. But this year became extra in so many aspects. On the background of republic Nepal, the awards was distributed by the first president of Nepal nowhere other than the President palace itself by the especial management of President House with bearing all the financial cost!
This single event makes so many senses to CIL-Kathamdnu. One of them is our approaches to made relationship up to such a highest diplomatic position by making this possible for which people used to believe it as almost impossible. This shows our sharp diplomatic approach which would be very helpful to include our issues in new upcoming constitution. Recognizing our sprite and hard work even his Excellency put his encouraging words- “Although every people are just picking the words of inclusion but I have not yet seen any practical reality so I would make every possible effort to include the issues of disabled in new constitution.” These words make especial sense for us.
The second one is the guardianship of our new President and his sensitiveness towards our issues. More than 70 disabled people got an opportunity to participate on this important occasion. Where the entire representative from every organization had invited to participated in interactive programs with his Excellency. This may be undoubtedly the first event where such a big mass of disabled people getting an opportunity to interact freely with such a high class level who used not be possible in Kingship ruled Period.
The last one is – right click on right time! In critical time when new constitution is going to make -the Medias is undoubtedly a important tools without it we can not do any things. This event must have worked as extra catalyst to the sprite of Arati Chataut, a television programs host of Nepal television and Mr Omprakesh Bangade, a blind person of Nepal FM, who got Rs 5000/- and Rs 1000 respectively with certificate from the president. But this is also an examples and motivation to other journalist in this period to support and to be the part in such a historic movement to be the voices of voiceless people. CIL-Kathamdnu would always like to promote and eager to works with our friends of Medias to be the part of our mission in creating a right based society treating equally for all.
Posted by jicafriends at April 2, 2009 11:33 AM