A JOURNALISTIC LEGACY: THE AWARDS I WAS PROUD TO INITIATE

 A JOURNALISTIC LEGACY: THE AWARDS I WAS PROUD TO INITIATE

How an initiative to recognise excellence in journalism and photography became an institutional recognition in Goa.

By John Aguiar

The National Press Day, observed every year on November 16, is an occasion to reflect on the role of the media in a democratic society and to recognise the contribution of journalists who work tirelessly to keep the public informed. This year, as the journalist awards and photography awards are presented in Goa, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction and pride, not merely as a former government information officer, but as someone who had the opportunity to initiate this recognition system.

There are certain initiatives in one's professional career that remain particularly close to the heart. For me, the institution of awards recognising excellence in journalism and photography is one such initiative.

During my tenure in the Directorate of Information and Publicity, I felt that the contribution of journalists and press photographers deserved formal recognition from the Government. Journalists are often the unsung contributors to society. They work under challenging circumstances, sometimes at odd hours and in difficult situations, to bring news, information and public-interest issues before the people. Photographers, too, play an equally important role. A single photograph can sometimes communicate what hundreds of words cannot.

The missing dimension: Lifetime Achievement

However, there was one important aspect that was not incorporated in the original draft notification. The provision for a Lifetime Achievement Award was omitted, despite my belief that journalism should also recognise those who have dedicated their entire lives to the profession.

Awards for professional excellence recognise achievements in a particular year or period. But journalism is also about a lifetime of commitment, courage, integrity, sacrifice and service to society. There are senior journalists whose contributions cannot be adequately measured through annual awards. Their experience, commitment and influence have helped shape the media landscape of Goa.

I was particularly conscious of this aspect and felt that a veteran journalist who had devoted an entire lifetime to journalism deserved a special place in the recognition system

Although the Lifetime Achievement category was not included in the original notification, I pursued the matter separately. With the approval of the Government, the first Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to the legendary Goan journalist Lambert Mascarenhas, a towering personality in Goan journalism whose contribution to the profession was immense.

It was a moment of great satisfaction for me that the Government agreed to recognise his lifetime contribution, even though the category had not formed part of the original notification.

 Interestingly, after my retirement, the rules were subsequently amended to formally incorporate the Lifetime Achievement Awards. I was happy to learn that the provision which I had originally envisaged and advocated had eventually found its place in the rules.

An initiative that continues beyond one's tenure

Government service is governed by procedures, files, approvals and official responsibilities. Officers come and go, but good initiatives should outlive the tenure of the individuals who conceived them.

That is perhaps the most satisfying aspect of this entire journey. The awards continue to provide a platform for recognising the work of journalists and photographers. The inclusion of the Lifetime Achievement category has further strengthened the spirit behind the initiative.

I do not claim credit for the entire process. The proposal could become a reality because my superiors supported it, the Secretariat appreciated it and the Government ultimately approved it. Institutional decisions are always the result of collective effort. However, I take legitimate pride in having conceived the idea, prepared the draft notification and pursued its implementation.

As the awards are presented on November 16, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees. Their achievements deserve appreciation, and I hope these awards will continue to inspire younger generations of journalists and photographers to uphold the highest traditions of the profession.

For someone who began his journalistic journey in 1978 and subsequently served in the Government's Department of Information and Publicity, journalism has always been more than a profession. It has been a passion and a lifelong commitment.

Today, looking back, I feel particularly happy that an idea I initiated while in government service has grown into an enduring institutional recognition.

One may retire from office, but the satisfaction of having contributed something meaningful to an institution remains forever.

That, for me, is the real award.