Kozhikode, Aug 26: Madhyamam’s editor, V.M. Ibrahim, has been honored with the 2023 Theruvath Raman Award for the best editorial by the Calicut Press Club. The award recognizes his editorial titled “Malayali Engane Nivarnunilkanam” (How Malayalis Should Stand Upright), published in Madhyamam on February 14, 2023.
The editorial discusses the tragic case of Vishwanathan, a tribal youth from Wayanad, who visited the Institute of Maternal and Child Health at Calicut Medical College to see his wife, who was in labor. Accused of theft, he was assaulted by security personnel and a mob. The next day, he was discovered dead, hanging in an empty field near the medical college. The editorial condemns the mob’s unlawful actions and the seeming apathy of the police and legal authorities.
A postgraduate in Urdu literature, V.M. Ibrahim began his career as an assistant executive editor at Madhyamam in June 2001 and later served as Executive Editor of both Madhyamam and Gulf Madhyamam. He was appointed editor in 2021. Ibrahim has also authored “Chekuthanum Choonduviralum” and translated “Theerthadakante Kanavukal.” This is Ibrahim’s second Theruvath Raman Award, following his win in 2021 for his editorial “Manushyatvam Kurisherumbol” (When Humanity is Crucified).
Speaking to Radiance, V.M. Ibrahim said, “At Madhyamam, we are dedicated to giving a voice to the voiceless, particularly Dalits and Adivasis, and championing social justice, equality, and human rights. Our newspaper has earned respect for its impartial reporting and strong stance on issues impacting marginalized communities. This editorial sheds light on the struggles of the tribal people in Wayanad, who suffer under the oppressive attitudes of so-called civilized urban society. Through these stories, we advocate for the protection of indigenous rights and the preservation of their unique identity.”
He added, “I am honored and delighted that my humble efforts to walk alongside Madhyamam in its mission to uplift the downtrodden have been recognized with this esteemed award.”
The award, which includes a cash prize of Rs 15,000 and a certificate, was established by the family of Theruvath Raman, the esteemed editor of the popular newspaper Pradeepam. The selection was made by a jury comprising prominent media observer Dr. Sebastian Paul, senior journalist K. Balakrishnan, and Press Club Journalism Institute Director V.E. Balakrishnan, as announced by Press Club President Firoskhan M and Secretary Rakesh P.S.
