HT political editor Vinod Sharma receives first TVR Shenoy award
NEW DELHI: The first-ever TVR Shenoy award for excellence in parliamentary journalism has been given to veteran journalist and political analyst Vinod Sharma, who is currently political editor, Hindustan Times.
The award comprises a cash prize of ₹1 lakh and citation. The award was presented to Sharma Friday by vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu at a function held at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Conference Hall at the vice-president’s residence. Former Union defence minister and Kerala chief minister AK Antony delivered the commemorative address.
Sharma, who has worked with TVR Shenoy at The Week magazine of the Malayala Manorama group, was selected by the jury for his over three-decade-long reportage of parliamentary proceedings. The award has been instituted by Professor KV Thomas Vidyadhanam Trust in memory of TVR Shenoy, renowned journalist and columnist, who served as editor of news magazinestheweekandsunday Mail, and held various posts in The Indian Express and Malayala Manorama.
After presenting the award, Naidu in his address advised the media to provide more coverage to the work being done by Parliament rather than focusing on sensational remarks or disruptive behaviour of some members.
“A good data journalist can help citizens better understand the institution of parliament,” he said, adding that this may also improve the output of MPS.
Naidu expressed concern over the fact that chairpersons of parliamentary standing committees complain of only one third of the members turning up for meetings. “This is a worrying trend and I plan to write to all political parties,” Naidu said. He cautioned parliamentarians to be aware of social media’s potential to spread fake news. He called for checks and balances to curb the possible misuse of social media by anti-social elements..