Aster DM Healthcare, a Dubai-based healthcare conglomerate, is inviting journalists in the GCC to submit their work that is socially-relevant  for the Aster Media Awards. The deadline for submission is on March 15.

The awards were launched in February 2015 to recognise the efforts of journalists in India and the GCC region in highlighting socially impactful stories about the community, said a company statement.

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: Dh25,000 ($6800) for  International (GCC), Rs.10 Lakhs ($14,750) for National (India), and, Rs.5 Lakhs for Regional (Kerala).

Commenting on the awards, Dr. Azad Moopen, founder chairman and managing director, Aster DM Healthcare said: "We believe that the Aster Media Awards will support and encourage journalists, who put the spotlight on development, growth and sustenance of communities and focus on journalism of consequence with stories having a social impact."

The Aster Media Awards were conceptualised by Aster DM Healthcare in recognition of the impact of the media in shaping public awareness, acknowledgement and actions in the region.  -TradeArabia News Service