CHANDIGARH: The Punjab Government has announced to institute an award for 'excellence in journalism' named after  Prem Kumar, a celebrated journalist and former Resident Editor of Indian Express, who expired today at New Delhi after a brief illness.

Announcing this here today  Bikram Singh Majithia, Information and public Relations Minister said that this was a humble tribute to a noted journalist and columnist who contributed a lot in the field of journalism and media education.

Condoling the death of  Prem Kumar, Media Advisor to Chief Minister  Harcharan Bains said that the  Prem Kumar symbolized grass root journalism in this country.

Secretary Information & Public Relations Department  Jagjit Puri also paid glowing tributes to the multifaceted personality of  Prem Kumar and said that his writings on environment protection and human interest stories would continue to inspire budding journalists in times to come.

They also expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family and prayed to God to give peace to the departed soul and strengthen to them to bear this irreparable loss.