KOZHIKODE: Arun M, senior reporter with ‘The New Indian Express,’ Kozhikode bureau, has bagged the award for the best newspaper report, instituted by the National Child Development Council (NCDC), Kerala region, on issues related to child welfare and children’s education. He has got the award for the report titled ‘Tribal Girls Turn Housewives At Ten’ published on July 16, 2013. It had exposed nine child marriages that had taken place at Vettilakolli, Palakkayam and Ambumala tribal colonies within a year.
The award, comprising a cash prize of `10,001, a memento and a certificate, would be given away at a function to be held later this month, NCDC Kerala region general convenor Divya K said at a press conference here on Monday. O Radhika, sub-editor with the ‘Mathrubhumi,’ Thrissur, will receive the award for the best newspaper series for her reports on children under the conflict of law becoming seasoned criminals at the later stage of their lives. N R Sudharmadas, photographer with ‘Kerala Kaumudi,’ Kochi, and Pradeep Kumbidi, cameraman, Reporter TV, Kochi, have bagged the awards for the best news photograph and the best television report, respectively. NCDC Kerala region convenors Libin Alexander, Charusree V K and Amitha Lis Benny also attended the function.
