NFSJ marked its 9th anniversary honoring senior science writer.
Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ) has entered nine years of establishment on January 27, 2023. The 9th anniversary was marked with an eventat Hotel Greenwich Village, Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal. One of its kind’ Science Writer Felicitation program was also launched on that day.
After formal proceedings, a presentation on opportunities and challenges of science journalism in Nepal was delivered by Chhatra Karki, the Founding President and Program Director of NFSJ. He said that the NFSJ was established with the aim of bridging gap between scientists and science journalists, and promoting science Journalism in Nepal.
Other presentation on bridging the gap between researchers and Journalists was delivered by Prof. Dr. Bijaya Panta from Nepal Biotechnology Association. Dr. Panta remarked that the scientists and researchers who always enjoy the laboratory should be connected to the people and the country.
The NFSJ’s flagship’ Science Writer Felicitation Programme, was launched honoring Senior Botanist and Science Writer Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha for the first time. Special Guest and former Minister of Environment ,Education, Science, and Technology, Ganesh Shah, felicitated Senior Botanist and Science Writer Dr. Tirtha Bahadur Shrestha. Dr. Shrestha has been involving in science writing since 1964.
Shrestha has been honored for being continuously active in the field of Science writing by creating articles in simple language, and informing the general public. ‘We will continue the felicitation of science writers in the coming years as well. We are launching it with a conviction that growth of a sector is not possible without deserved appreciation,’ said Rajan Pokhrel ,President of NFSJ.
The event was continued with remarks by Michael Croft, UNESCO Country Representative for Nepal. “I believe NFSJ is our distinguished partner. They don’t say ‘help us’. They tell us what they are doing. It’s the best form of partnership. This is the strength of NFSJ. You are the one who gives us the opportunity not we,” Said Michael Croft, UNESCO Country representative for Nepal.
Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of ICIMOD expressed his best wishes through Video message. “The role of bridging the gap between scientists and the target group from politicians to bureaucrats, from entrepreneurs to farmers, from community members to community leaders is of paramount importance. ICIMOD is proud to be associated with your forum and look forward to strengthening this fruitful partnership in coming years,” remarked Dr. Peam Gyamtsho.
Special Guest and Former Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ganesh Shah emphasized the cooperation between scientists, researchers, entrepreneurs and journalists, and expressed his happiness that science journalism has started getting priority.
Dr. Rabindra Dhakal. Spokesperson of NAST and Head of the faculty of technology, said that science news has started coming continuously in the Nepali Media recently. ”Science Journalists can play vital role in bringing scientific researches in general public in simple language.” said Dr. Dhakal.
NFSJ Secretary Gobinda Pokhrel conducted the program, and Treasurer Balika Maden welcomed the guests and the participants. A community of science journalists, writers, researchers, and students that NFSJ has been building since its establishment, attended the program.
Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ) is a non-profit umbrella organization of science journalists working in news papers, radio, television, online news portals, and news agencies. EstablishedonJanuary27, 2014, NFSJ strives to build the capacity of journalists working in the field of science and technology, climate change, environment, health, and agriculture, among others.
