Key Takeaways:

• Himal Dhungel honoured with FoNIJ Ramechhap Investigative Journalism Award–2083
• Award presented by Mayor Lava Shrestha during FoNIJ's 13th annual general assembly
• Lalita Hayu recognised with Indigenous Nationalities Journalism Award–2083
• Dhungel pledged to continue bringing overlooked issues into public debate
• Programme chaired by FoNIJ Ramechhap President Kumar Shrestha
• FoNIJ said awards aim to encourage journalists and promote investigative reporting

RAMECHHAP, SEPTEMBER 8 The Himalayan Times journalist Himal Dhungel has been honoured with the FoNIJ Ramechhap Investigative Journalism of the Year Award–2083 for his contribution to investigative reporting and raising public-interest issues. The award, established by the Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Nationalities Journalists (FoNIJ), Ramechhap, was presented to Dhungel with cash, a certificate and a ceremonial shawl by Manthali Municipality Mayor Lava Shrestha during Fonij Ramechhap's 13th annual general assembly. FoNIJ Ramechhap said Dhungel was recognised for publishing and broadcasting investigative reports that brought issues of public concern to wider attention. Journalist Lalita Hayu was also honoured with the FoNIJ Ramechhap Indigenous Nationalities Journalism of the Year Award–2083 for highlighting issues, rights and concerns of Indigenous nationalities through journalism. Receiving the award, Dhungel said the recognition had encouraged him to take his journalistic responsibilities more seriously, pledging to continue bringing important and overlooked issues into public debate. The programme was chaired by FoNIJ Ramechhap President Kumar Shrestha. FoNIJ said it has been presenting such awards to encourage working journalists in the district and promote investigative journalism and Indigenous nationalities' issues in mainstream media.