R Heli, former director of Agriculture Department, has been presented with the inaugural Farm Media Award instituted by the Rohini National Club and Agri Friends in memory of noted journalist Vithura Baby. The award comprises Rs 10,001, scroll of honour, plaque and ponnada. The award was presented to Heli by Advisor to Chief Minister L Radhakrishnan, Agriculture Secretary K R Jyothilal and former Chief Post Master General Shobha Koshy.
Mediapersons of Jai Hind TV (Mannum Manushyanum), Asianet (Kissan Krishideepam), Asianet News (Nalla Mannu), Reporter TV (Mannu), Surya TV (Bhoomi Malayalam), Kairali TV (Bhomi Geetham), Jeevan TV (Haritha Keralam), Akashavani (Vayalum Veedum) and Doordarshan (Krishidarshan) received awards in the electronic media category.
‘Kerala Karshakan, Karshakashree’ and ‘Karshakan’ magazines received awards in the print media category. Mahesh Pravachambalam and Pradeesh Olavilavu received awards for the best agricultural photography.
Joy Vazhayila (Ramesh Video Plaza), C S Ajithlal (Kuttanad Radio), B L Bijulal (Green Touch - Farm Media), Kollam Panicker (Karshaka Sakhi) received special awards. Agriculture Director R Ajith Kumar, Bhasha Institute Director M R Thampan, Animal Husbandry Director N N Sasi, Agriculture Additional Director N Vijayan, Atma Project Director A M Sunil Kumar, actor Kollam Thulasi, Agri Friends Trustee M P Lokanath and former newscaster of Akashavani M Ramachandran participated. Speaking on the occasion, Vijayan Nair of Rohini National Club said that the Farm Media Award will be presented in the coming years also.
Farm Literacy Award Presented
In recognition of its efforts in the dissemination of farm information, the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit of Govt HSS for Girls, Cotton Hill, has been presented with the Farm Literacy Award instituted by the Kerala State Youth Welfare Board and Agri Friends.
The programme ‘Mutthassi Padathu Oru Kanni Koythu’ produced by ‘Pachchappada’ team members of Cotton Hill School received the best photography award. While V S Sreeja received the award for the best coordinator, M S Krishna received the award for the best female volunteer.
P Sneha of Government Model Girls Higher Secondary School, Pattom and Arun of Government Higher Secondary School, Kamaleshwaram, received awards for best volunteers. Anush of Medical College NSS unit was adjudged best student farmer. The awards were presented by Chief Minister’s Advisor L Radhakrishnan, Former Post Master General Shobha Koshy and Farm Media Award chairman Rohini Vijayan Nair.
