Sikkim’s first female journalist Santosh Nirash passes away at 92
Sikkim’s first female journalist Santosh Nirash passed away on Wednesday. She was 92 at the time of her demise.According to her family, Nirash was suffering from prolonged old age ailments. Nirash, who is a well-known name in the field of journalism in India, died at her residence in Kazi Road, Gangtok.
Nirash, who was born on October 3 in 1928 at Pind Dodan Khan in Punjab (now in Pakistan), started her career in journalism in 1940. She wrote stories in various social and developmental issues.Santosh Nirash married to P.S. Nirash, who was also a veteran journalist of Sikkim and was the editor of Hindi weekly ‘Jamana Sadabahar’. Following P.S. Nirash’s death, Santosh Nirash took over the charge of ‘Jamana Sadabahar’ as its editor.
She was a founder member of Press Club of Sikkim (PCS).Santosh Nirash, who was known as Maaaji, served as the advisor of the press club till her death.Santosh Nirash was also actively involved in various socio-cultural and philanthropic activities. In 2010, she was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador of Sikkim State Aids Control Society and worked for spreading HIV/AIDS awareness across Sikkim.
In recognition to her contributions towards journalism and the society, Santosh Nirash was conferred with various awards. In 2012, the Sikkim government honoured her with Sikkim Sewa Samman (Journalism). She also received Kanchenjunga Kalam Purushkar 2009, Nirman Prakashan and Lifetime achievement award.
