MAY 04, 2009 Amid a program organized jointly by Freedom Forum and International Press Institute (IPI), Nepal Chapter on May 2, Saturday to mark the World Press Freedom Day, Kabita Sharma, chairperson of Radio Mukti 95.5—a FM radio being operated by women journalist—was felicitated with the 'Courageous Media Worker Award-2009'.This year the award was presented to her for her substantial contribution to promote journalism in Mofasal despite several threats and intimidations and inspire women to involve in journalism sector.
Freedom Forum and IPI, Nepal Chapter have been jointly providing this award to a courageous journalist every year.
Madhav Kumar Nepal, chairperson of Constitutional Committee (CC), handed over a copper plaque along with a letter of appreciation to Sharma in the capital.
Kabita Sharma is a journalist of Butwal-based Radio Mukti which has been operated solely on the initiatives of women journalists. She had received several threats while working as a media worker and executive of the adio FM. On the occasion, while recounting own experience, Sharma said she was happy to continue with her journalism profession even despite various hassles and hurdles on her way.
Speaking at the programme, CC Chairperson Nepal called on press to stand against any form of threat and pressure and accused Maoist-led government of suppressing free press. " How can journalist and press be secured in such as situation of the country where CA Members get threat for delivering own views and opinion", he added.
He emphasized the need of collaboration, coordination and consensus among all journalists for their professional rights.
On the occasion participating speakers noted the incidents of self censorship, threat, assault , harassment, mental torture and even murder of journalist was not stopped. They also accused the government of trying to operate press on the authoritarian concept.
Freedom Forum Chairperson Taranath Dahal, Chairperson of Federation of Nepali Journalist (FNJ) Dharmendra Jha, former chairpersons Harihar Birahi, IPI-Nepal chapter Padamsingh Karki, CA Member radheshyam Adhikari, human rights activist Subodh Pyakurel, Sudeep Pathak, Chairperson of Sancharika Samuha Babita Basnet and Bishnu Sharma Gyawali highlighted the importance of press freedom for creating discourse and building understanding in any society.
The theme of this year’s world press freedom day is “Media, Dialogue and Mutual Understanding”.
For more information,
Freedom Forum
monitoring@freedomforum.org.np
01-4102030/ 4102022