New Delhi
Charkha Development Communication Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to leveraging media for the social and economic inclusion of marginalized rural communities, proudly unveils the winners of the esteemed “Sanjoy Ghose Media Awards 2023.” This annual recognition, inspired by the visionary founder Sanjoy Ghose, is a testament to the power of media in addressing social issues.
This year witnessed an overwhelming response, with a total of 53 applications pouring in from across the country, underscoring the growing importance of media in championing social causes. Among the applicants, 15 vied for the coveted Category 1, while 38 sought recognition in Category 2.
Category 1 Winners:
1. Aishwarya Mohanty – An accomplished journalist hailing from Odisha.
2. Jigyasa Mishra – A versatile journalist and photographer from Uttar Pradesh.
These talented individuals have demonstrated exceptional prowess in using media as a tool for positive change, focusing on themes such as women’s empowerment, gender-based discrimination, and women’s entrepreneurship.
Category 2 Winners:
1. Sayed Toiba Kouser- Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Qamrun Nissa- Ladakh.
3. Mahima Joshi – Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand.
4. Jyoti – Delhi
These young adolescent girl writers exhibit a keen interest in addressing the issues faced by women standing on the sidelines in rural communities. They will undergo mentorship by Charkha to write three impactful articles over the next three months, focusing on violence against women, menstrual hygiene challenges of adolescent girls and role of digital literacy in empowering young girls in rural areas.
Under Category 1, each winner will receive a prestigious award along with INR 50,000 while under Category 2 winners will be honored with an award and INR 25,000 each.
The selection process was conducted by distinguished jury panels for each category, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation. The Category 1 panel included senior journalist Kavitha Iyer, experienced educator Dr. Gowhar Fazili, and Shweta Tripathi, Executive Director of non-profit organization “SRUTI.” The Category 2 panel featured esteemed individuals such as development practitioner Farah Zaidee, coordinator at the Chambal Academy Suneeta, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Sociology at IIT Delhi, Madhulika Sonkar.
The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on December 7, 2023, at the India Islamic Cultural Center in New Delhi, as part of Charkha’s 29th Founder’s Day celebration. The winners will be honored by Meenu Vadera, Founder, Azad Foundation.
Charkha Development Communication Network remains committed to fostering positive change through innovative media practices and empowering voices that often go unheard. The ‘Sanjoy Ghose Media Awards’ stand as a beacon of inspiration for those who strive to make a meaningful impact through media.