Gangtok:17th July: Press Club of Sikkim,led by Samir Hang President of Club, celebrated its 24th Foundation Day on Friday, here.Minister for Education ,Raju Basnet ,was the Chief Guest at the function and he presented the aeards. Main attraction of the day was ‘Kanchenjungha Kalam Puruskar ‘, bagged by ‘none other than Mala Rana Patro, editor of Himali Bela.
The founder member cum proprietor of Sikkim Express and Himali Bela, Mala speaks about the journey of publications.
DM :Congrats! You have just been presented the ‘Kanchenjungha Kalam Puruskar ‘,how are you feeling?
Mala:: I am happy! Thanks to Press Club and the Govt.
DM:Why and when did Late Ram Patro and you got involved in NewsPaper business?
Mala:It was in 1976 ,that we started Sikkim Express , the then Chief Minister , launched it in the presence of Kazini Eliza Maria. It was a weekly news paper.
DM:When was Himali Bela launched and why?
Mala: Himali Bela was started on 15th November 1977.Express is in English but Himali Bela is in Nepali.
DM: It was a wonderful idea that you two concieved and implemented,as it also addressed the dearth of News Papers disseminating local news .
Any challenges that you experienced in the First 2 decades?
Mala:Govt and others were all encouraging, including ( to name a few) CD Rai, Palden , LB Chettri and BB Guroong. But, it was really challenging when my husband Ram Patro suddenly left for his heavenly abode after a heart issue. Three of us were left alone, daughter Ekta was in College, son Amit in class Seven in School. But , the news papers were continued more in the form of his legacy than anything else.
DM:Now that Himali Bela and Express are dailies, what is the public response?
Mala:Oh, Yes! Response is good, as these Two papers are published continuously.
DM:In the State where people prefer English language, what inspired you and late Patro saab to start Himali Bela?
Mala:So that even rural people could read local news.
Reaction of Readers :a reader of Himalibela, Rajen Chettri Videographer,when asked to react to the Award today said,’ The successful journey of Himalibela is due to farsighted leadership and dedication of Mala Rana.She has been recognised through many awards.Thw Khangchenjungha Kalam Puruskar is the most significant one!
DM:What would you like to say to readers and message to neo- Journalists, here?
Mala:Readers,you always had trusted our news authenticity and factual news- so keep it up!
To Journalists, – Always verify news before publishing,dont favour anyone.The work you do will not go waste,One day or other it is recognized.Dont live in present but think about future also! (end)
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