Call for Entries From Journalists in the GCC to Submit Socially-impactful Work for Aster Media Awards

DUBAI, UAE, March 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Aster DM Healthcare, a Dubai-based healthcare conglomerate is reiterating its call amongst journalists in the GCC to submit their work that is socially-relevant and has impacted the community. The deadline for submission to the Aster Media Awards is on March 15, 2016 via http://www.astermediaawards.com.

Aster Media Awards was launched last February to recognize the efforts of journalists in India and the GCC in highlighting stories about the community which has driven social impact. The awards comprise three categories: National (open to works written in all Indian languages except Malayalam), Regional (open to works written in Malayalam) and International/GCC (open for works in English and Arabic from media in the six Gulf countries).

Prizes for the winning pieces are: AED25,000 for  International (GCC), Rs. 10 Lakhs for National (India), and, Rs. 5 Lakhs for Regional (Kerala).

The award-giving body also just announced its panel of jurors who will select the winning entries such as:   Shri. Venu Rajamony, IFS, Diplomat & Press Club Secretary to the Hon. President of India; Ms. Shahnaz Pakravan, Journalist with exposure in Middle East & Western Media - BBC, Channel 4, Al Jazira, Channel 33 and Arab Publications, Mr. Rajrishi Singhal, India National Journalist, a Senior Fellow in Geo-economics Studies, and, Dr. Azad Moopen - Chairman & Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare & Founder of Dr. Moopen's Foundation.

The inaugural 2016 Award ceremonies will be held in three cities - Delhi, Kochi and Dubai, for National, Regional and International categories, respectively.

Commenting on the awards, Dr. Azad Moopen, Founder Chairman & Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare stated: "The Aster Media Awards is designed to recognize journalists who bring to light stories of our fellowmen and the community and the positive change that it has brought. We are also extremely grateful to have the commitment of the jury to review and award deserving journalists who made an impact to the community through their works. We believe that the Aster Media Awards will support and encourage more journalists, who put the spotlight on development, growth and sustenance of communities and focus on journalism of consequence with stories having a social impact. All together, we trust that the jury will help elevate the exemplary works of journalists in India and the GCC who deserve to on the spotlight."  

The Aster Media Awards was conceptualized by Aster DM Healthcare in recognition of the impact of the media in shaping public awareness, acknowledgement and actions in the respective region. As part of the social responsibility of the Group, Aster DM Healthcare is keen to provide a platform to applaud the efforts of the media, whose talent, efforts and commitment are rarely noticed in society. Journalism plays a key role in keeping a check on societal conscience and vision of collective development. This needs to be applauded in the purest form - be it stories around protecting the way of life of communities, curbing social-ills, protecting our environment, educating on health and wellness, inspiring young minds towards education and empowerment of disadvantaged communities by highlighting their cause, CSR & Community Initiatives and Innovations.

About Aster DM Healthcare  

Established in 1987, Aster DM Healthcare currently owns and operates a network of more than 290 plus units across the Middle East and India, covering an array of healthcare verticals including clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and a modern medical city. These network units are consolidated under the brand names ASTER, MEDCARE, ACCESS, ASTER Medcity and ASTER MIMS. The multitude of health facilities that include 14 hospitals offer primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care in order to meet the requirements of people from a cross section of the society.