The Independent’s veteran conflict reporter Kim Sengupta posthumously receives Edgar Wallace Award | EUROtoday

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The Independent’s award-winning veteran conflict correspondent Kim Sengupta has posthumously acquired the celebrated Edgar Wallace Award for excellence in writing and journalism.

Mr Sengupta, who died in July on the age of 68, coated a lot of the principal battlefronts over a profession that spanned greater than 40 years. He labored on the Daily Mail and Today earlier than becoming a member of The Independent 27 years in the past, turning into defence and diplomatic editor, and world affairs editor.

Other conflict correspondents from throughout the UK paid lavish tributes to his dedication, bravery and sense of humour following his demise, as they remembered anecdotes from their instances working with him in quite a few international locations, from Afghanistan to Somalia, and from the Balkans to Gaza.

Foreign secretary David Lammy remembered him as “brilliant and courageous”.

The honour was amongst this yr’s awards introduced by the London Press Club.

Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independentpaid tribute to Mr Sengupta in entrance of the hushed corridor.

He spoke of his fearlessness whereas reporting and his dedication to be the place the story was, regardless of the hazard.

When Mr Sengupta died, Mr Greig mentioned the outpouring of sorrow was immense, including: “Military chiefs and admirals sent their respects, the foreign secretary sent their respects, journalists from across the globe sent their respects.”

Mr Greig mentioned when he first met Mr Sengupta within the Nineteen Eighties he knew he was destined for excellent issues.

Chris Stevenson, The Independent’s worldwide editor, wrote in a tribute for the awards brochure: “Whether speaking to rebels or diplomats, injured citizens or prisoners, spies or soldiers, Kim would always capture the humanity at the root of every situation, and explain it to readers with a flourish.

“His sharp analysis was respected across the political, military and intelligence worlds, but also every reader who needed the complicated world we live in explained with clarity and a sense of purpose.

“His easy manner when on the frontline also made him a favourite among other correspondents. Kim was always ready with a joke no matter how grim the situation, while being more than happy to offer up his wisdom to those just starting out, or anyone that needed help or a kind word.”

He added: “The outpouring of admiration and affection that followed Kim’s passing was enormous.

“From readers praising his work and bravery to frontline colleagues waxing lyrical about his ability to get himself into (and then out of if needed) every important destination or conversation.”

Last yr’s winner of the award for excellent writing and journalism went to Day of the Jackal writer Frederick Forsyth, for twenty years of writing columns for the Express.