R ARIVANANTHAM
AHMEDABAD, JULY 4
Nonagenarian and the legendary photographer of Gujarat Padmashri Zaverilal Mehta, Pulitzer-award winning Reuters lensman Amit Dave, senior correspondent (Retired) of The Economic Times Ahmedabad edition RR Goswamy and senior sub-editor (retired) of The Indian Express Ahmedabad Edition and editorial advisor to Navjeevan Express R Manickavasagam were among the 60 recipients of the Gujarat Gaurav Awards-2022.
The award ceremony was conducted by Gujarat Journalists Union, the oldest and the largest journalist body in Gujarat, to mark its 60th Anniversary Celebrations in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
These awards were presented by Shree Panchgani Akhada Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Respected Kankeshwari Mataji. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, the chief guest, could not make it to the ceremony as he was indisposed. However, he had sent his message wishing all the awardees and the GJU leadership.
Mataji lauded the role of journalists in nation-building and exhorted them to be fearless and impartial.
Padmashri Devendra Patel exhorted the awardees not to be carried away by the awards bestowed upon them but to strive hard to earn the readers’ credibility.
Padmashri Vishnu Pandya briefly spoke about the evolution of print media over 550 years.
Padmashri Dr Kumarpal Desai praised the awardees.
Group Editor of NavGujarat Samay and Ahmedabad Mirror Ajay Umat said only 20 of the world’s top most papers survived the onslaught of social media by evolving themselves while maintaining the credibility.
GJU president B R Prajapati said, “Gujarat Gaurav Awards aims to honour the veteran journalists for their fearless and exemplary writings which enriched the journalism in Gujarat. They are the beacon of hope to aspiring young journalists.”
Upon accepting the prestigious accolade, Senior Correspondent (Retired) of The Economic Times Ahmedabad edition RR Goswamy, expressed, “It is a grand honor for senior journalist like me to be conferred this award by Shree Panchgani Akhada Mahamandaleshwar Shri Shri 1008 Respected Kankeshwari Mataji, at one of Gujarat’s most distinguished award functions. I am grateful to the Gujarat Journalists Union led by its president BR Prajapati for creating a platform that has consistently encouraged the growth of journalism by acknowledging the contribution of good and credible reporting, and much more. I would like to extend a special thanks to all the veteran journalists and who are also guests of honour and fought for the press freedom during Emergency and guiding us to tread in their path. I would also dedicate this award to each and every journalist of Gujarat who made it possible. This recognition is a testament to GJU’s continued commitment towards the welfare and recognition of fearless journalism across the Model State of Gujarat.”
Commenting on the award, R Manickavasagam, senior sub-editor (retired) of The Indian Express Ahmedabad Edition and editorial advisor to navjeevanexpress.com, said, ”I dedicate this award to my parents for teaching me to maintain the integrity despite all odds and also to all Majithia Wage Board Award warriors of the country. This award is the booster dose to me to take on the mighty media barons with renewed vigour to get justice for all my colleagues and the journalist fraternity. I will work hard to strengthen the GJU and its welfare activities.”
Pulitzer-award winning Reuters lensman Amit Dave’s son Anand Dave was given a standing ovation by all as he received the award on his father’s behalf.
The Gujarat Gaurav Awards are awarded in several categories for the outstanding work done by the journalists for the promotion of journalism, journalist welfare and implementation of Majithia Wage Board across Gujarat.
