Late Journalist Khelen Thokchom remembered on his 65th Birth Anniversary

The 65th birth anniversary of late senior journalist Khelen Thokchom was observed today at his residence in Tera Tongbram Leikai, Imphal West, in a quiet yet deeply heartfelt ceremony organized by the Khelen Thokchom Trust (KTT).
Family members, friends, and members of the Trust gathered to pay floral tributes to one of Manipur’s most respected and fearless voices in journalism. The courtyard of his home, where a portrait of the late journalist stood adorned with flowers, became a place of remembrance and reflection—echoing the humility, wit, and courage that defined his life and work.
The observance began with the offering of floral tributes led by KTT President Robert Sapam and Thokchom Ongbi Memcha Devi, wife of the late scribe. The intimate gathering carried a tone of simplicity that mirrored Khelen’s own modest approach to life and journalism.
Khelen Thokchom, who passed away on April 1, 2018, served as the Special Correspondent of The Telegraph and was widely known for his integrity, sharp insight, and deep empathy for Manipur’s socio-political issues. His writings—marked by clarity, courage, and compassion—brought national attention to stories from Manipur and the Northeast that often went unheard.
Established in his memory, the Khelen Thokchom Trust has since carried forward his legacy by nurturing journalistic excellence and supporting young reporters through the Khelen Thokchom Media Fellowship, launched in 2018. The fellowship sought to encourage in-depth reporting and uphold the values of responsible journalism that Khelen championed throughout his career.
However, the fellowship programme has been temporarily suspended for 2023–24, owing to the prevailing unrest and uncertainty in the state. Members of the Trust expressed hope that the programme will resume once normalcy returns, reaffirming their commitment to Khelen’s lifelong vision of promoting credible and ethical journalism in Manipur.
Speaking on the occasion, members of the Trust recalled Khelen’s relentless dedication to truth and his ability to narrate complex issues with simplicity and fairness. “He believed that journalism was not just about breaking news but about breaking silence,” one of the members reflected, underscoring the late journalist’s deep connection with the people and their stories.
As the gathering concluded, there was a quiet sense of resolve among those present—to keep alive the ideals that Khelen Thokchom stood for: honesty, courage, and an unwavering commitment to public service through journalism.
The day’s observance, though simple, stood as a poignant reminder that while Khelen may have departed physically, his voice continues to guide and inspire a generation of journalists who see in his legacy a light that refuses to fade.