Media must focus on farm issues: Gujral

Ajay Modi, a Business Standard staff correspondent, has received the 2006 Business Standard-Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Print Journalism.

The award was presented to him by Former Prime Minister IK Gujral at a function held here on Saturday.

"The jury recognises Modi's newsbreaking reports in the field of agriculture and commodities. He has displayed an alert news sense and strong analytical abilities, providing readers with fresh and comprehensive perspectives about the sectors. Though young in age, Modi has earned the respect of his peers by his consistent good writing. This award is a recognition of that strength and professionalism," the citation read.

Speaking on the occasion, Gujral said there was a need for newspapers to focus on agriculture these days.

He complimented Business Standard for honouring a journalist covering this vital sector of the economy.

The award recognises excellence in print journalism and is given every year to a journalist below 30 years of age.

Apart from a citation, it carries a cash award of Rs 25,000 and a silver pen. Modi is the eighth recipient of the award, instituted by Business Standard and the Nazareth family, in memory of Seema Nazareth, a young Business Standard journalist who died in 1999.