Observer writers win Media Excellence Award

Three Oman Daily Observer writers have won the Media Excellence Award in three out of the five categories announced recently at a ceremony at the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Yahya al Salmani won the award for his article titled ‘Grave Violations at Bausher Heritage Sites.’ Nizar al Musalmy and Abdulaziz al Jahdhami shared the award in the ‘Column’ category for their articles ‘Too much salt’ and ‘A dream of a blue collar man’, respectively. The three were honoured at a ceremony held as part of Media Family Forum, organised by the Ministry of Information in cooperation with the Public Authority for Radio and Television. Commenting on the award, Al Salmani said he wasn’t expecting it. “It is a pleasure to learn my story was the best.” The article discussed the effects of urbanisation as houses have been built on sites regardless of their historical and tourist importance. Nizar’s column talks about giving each other respect. “You have to think selflessly for a moment and see things from your partner’s point of view. No matter how strongly you feel, sometimes you have to restrain yourself for the greater good,” says the article. Abdulaziz’s column highlights the importance of dreams as they pave the way for creating a bright future, getting a good job and then having a decent life. The article lauded the role of blue-collar expatriate workers, who are lowly paid. “They do all the discreditable tasks that everybody avoids. However, what they do is not inferior to what everybody else is doing,” says the column, ending with: “We are all equal, but with different responsibilities.” Zainab al Nassri