Strengthening Regional Ties through Journalism: SAARC Journalist Award 2024

At the first SAARC Journalist Award 2024 held in Kathmandu on Sunday, Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister of Communication and Information Technology, emphasized the importance of fostering regional friendship in South Asia through collaboration among media professionals and journalists. Gurung urged the SAARC Journalist Association to play a pivotal role in promoting professional growth and cooperation among journalists from member countries, and to establish awards and encourage research in the field.

Dr. Natraj Ray, President of the Association, highlighted plans to register the organization at the SAARC Secretariat and expand its network to all eight member countries within the year. The Association aims to enhance journalism education and contribute to regional development goals.

Balkrishna Basnet, Chairman of the Press Council of Nepal, called for a common platform to address media challenges in the region, particularly the regulation of social media. On the same occasion, the Nepal Chapter of the SAARC Journalist Association was formed, with Samjhana Sharma appointed as its leader and key committee members announced.