IMPACT TV reporter Elangbam Ojitkumar was honoured with the RK Sanatomba Journalist Award on Tuesday in recognition of his investigative reporting on Manipur’s school education system.The award was presented by the RK Sanatomba Memorial Trust during a programme marking the death anniversary of late journalist R.K. Sanatomba Singh at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy.The event began with floral tributes to the late editor before the award presentation ceremony. Ojitkumar received a cash prize, a citation and a traditional shawl in recognition of his contribution to investigative journalism.Speaking on the sidelines of the programme, RK Nimai, chairman of the RK Sanatomba Memorial Trust, said the award has been presented every year since 2004 to honour journalists who have produced outstanding work in different areas of reporting.
Recalling the life and contributions of late R. K. Sanatomba Singh, Nimai said he devoted his life to journalism, social welfare and the promotion of sports in Manipur. He said Sanatomba used journalism as a platform to highlight issues affecting society and remained committed to public welfare throughout his career.Nimai also noted that Sanatomba was a keen sports enthusiast from a young age and was among the founders of the Eastern Taekwondo School, which has produced several national and international champions over the years. Besides his role in sports development, he served as the editor of Kangla Lanpung, where he consistently focused on issues concerning the people of the state. Sanatomba’s life was cut short on June 30, 1993. To preserve his legacy and recognise excellence in journalism, his family members and friends instituted the RK Sanatomba Memorial Journalist Award, which has continued to honour outstanding journalists for more than two decades.
The trust said the award reflects Sanatomba’s enduring commitment to fearless journalism and public service. This year’s recognition of Elangbam Ojitkumar highlights the importance of investigative reporting in bringing issues of public interest to light and encouraging accountability in governance and society.
