Journalists in the print, broadcast and current affairs documentary film media are eligible, including photographers, cartoonists and newspaper designers. Names and addresses of sponsors or references should be clearly mentioned with email and phone numbers.

The criteria for selection will be excellence, analytical skill, social concern, insights, style, innovation, courage and compassion.

Other things being equal, preference will be given to small town/rural and Indian language journalists. The entries will be evaluated by an independent panel of jurists whose verdict shall be final.

Nominations should include a bio-data (with complete postal address, telephone, fax numbers and email address, for facility of communication), together with samples of work done during 2006-07 in the form of clippings/tapes/cassettes. These should be accompanied by a brief appreciation of why the candidate is especially deserving of recognition.

Nominations addressed to B.G.Verghese, C-11 Dewan Shree Apartments, 30 Ferozshah Road, New Delhi -110001 should be received not later than March 1, 2009. The Award will be given at the India International Centre auditorium in Delhi on March 27, 2009.#