Minister for Information, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali has felicitated the Greater Kashmir health correspondent Zehru Nissa for bagging the prestigious International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Global Health Reporting Award 2017.Nissa was conferred with ICFJ award at a function at the New York Times headquarters in New York city, USA on September 18. She has has got this award for a series of reports on maternal healthcare in J&K. She is among six winners selected by a distinguished panel of judges of ICFJ from more than 130 submissions from across the world.Each winner received a cash reward of $1,000 besides a certificate of appreciation."It is an honor for J&K and her achievement has brought laurels to the state," Zulfkar said in his felicitation message and added that Zehru Nissa's accomplishment would prove a great inspiration for the State's talented women professionals to take a plunge and excel in the field of journalism.
Complimenting Nissa for the prestigious award, Zulfkar said by choosing a key niche area for reporting in J&K, she has made a mark in the field of journalism which can be a guiding light for her colleagues to focus on vital issues in education, healthcare, environment, development, economy and social issues confronting the State instead of remaining preoccupied with political reporting.Zulfkar said it is heartening to note that the State’s enterprising youth are bringing laurels to J&K in every sphere, both within and outside the country. The minister wished all the best to Zehru Nissa for her career in journalism.Meanwhile, Director Information & Public Relations, Muneer-ul-Islam has also extended warm felicitations to Zehru Nissa for her exceptional achievement.