Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SHP)

New Delhi, Aug 2: NDTV journalist Ravish Kumar has been honoured with the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award. It is the highest honour given to Asian individuals and organizations and has been referred to as the Asian version of a Nobel.

Apart from Ravish Kumar, Myanmar-based journalist Ko Swe Win, Thailand journalist Angkhana Neelapaijit, Philippine journalist Raymundo Pujante Cayabyab and South Korean journalist Kim Jong Ki from were bestowed with this award.

“In electing Ravish Kumar to receive the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award, the board of trustees recognizes his unfaltering commitment to a professional, ethical journalism of the highest standards; his moral courage in standing up for truth, integrity and independence; and his principled belief that it is in giving full and respectful voice to the voiceless, in speaking truth bravely yet soberly to power, that journalism fulfils its noblest aims to advance democracy,” A part of Kumar’s citation stated.

Ravish was described as sober, insightful, and well-informed. He was appreciated for not trying to dictate his guests but rather, give them a moment to express themselves. Ravish is renowned for not shying away for calling out the highest officials to account or criticizing media and stating the current situation country. Following which he has been harassed and threatened by certain groups of people.

The Magsaysay Award winners receive a certificate, a medallion bearing the image of the late Filipino leader Ramon Magsaysay, and a cash prize. They will be conferred with the Magsaysay Award during a formal presentation ceremony on a later date.