New Delhi, 18 November: The South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum has announced a new annual National Award that will be presented to one journalist from anywhere in India for outstanding reporting on environment and nature related issues.
The award carries a cash prize of one lakh rupees. The Forum declared that the award will be named the ‘Zubeen Garg National Award for Environmental
Reporting’ in honour of the late iconic singer Zubeen Garg who was known for his deep love for nature and his strong voice for environmental protection. His lifelong dedication to safeguarding the natural world makes his name a fitting inspiration for this award.
The president of the Forum, Mr. Ashish Gupta clarified that journalists do not need to apply for this honour. It will be conferred solely on the basis of the decision of an independent jury which will review impactful environmental stories published or broadcast during the year.
According to the Forum the aim of this award is to encourage stronger and more dedicated reporting on climate change, environment protection and conservation of natural resources.
Journalists working in print digital television radio and multimedia platforms will be considered by the jury. Forum members, in a Press Conference held in Assam Media Centre, New Delhi, said that environmental journalism is especially important as India faces growing climate related challenges.
Kallol Bhowmik, member of the Forum added that the Zubeen Garg National Award will help highlight meaningful reporting and inspire journalists to bring urgent environmental issues to public attention. Detailed guidelines regarding the jury process will be shared soon.
The first award will be presented in New Delhi in the presence of senior journalists, environmental experts and civil society representatives next year (2026) on the date of Zubeen Garg’s birthday.
The South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting journalists who work to raise awareness on critical environmental concerns across the country. For more information media representatives may contact the office of the South Asia Climate Change Journalists’ Forum in New Delhi.
