The Azera Parveen Rahman, 23, a journalist from Assam, currently with the Indo Asian News Service in Delhi, was presented the second Anupama Jayaraman award, 2008. A jury of eminent journalists selected Azera, recognising her writings on the issue of human rights, women and children. Her award-winning story, "A childhood lost to pain" appeared in The Assam Tribune on April 9, 2007. The article highlights the plight of children working in zari units where zardosi embroidery is done.

The Award, administered jointly by the NWMI and the Jayaraman family, was set up in the memory of Anupama Jayaraman, a young and promising Bangalore-based journalist who passed away in January 2006. Anupama was not only multi-talented and energetic, but also demonstrated a keen interest in issues of human rights and social justice. The Award is meant to encourage and honour young women journalists who, like her, believe in meaningful journalism and have the courage and determination to write on issues relating to human rights and social justice. The Award includes a citation and a cheque for Rs. 15,000.

Member of the jury, senior journalist R. Shankar, the former resident editor of The New Indian Express, Bangalore, recalled Anupama's drive, and commented that Azera's award-winning article "shows passion for the issue and demonstrates an effort to go beyond the usual reporting". Receiving the award from Mayor Rajalakshmi Bhosle, Mallika Sarabhai and Anupama's parents Nirmala Jayaraman and Mr. Jayaraman, Azera said that she was proud to have been recognized for her stories on human rights, children and gender, but was aware that her "journey had only just begun".

Commenting on the small number of entries, Shankar said that human rights does not seem to be a favoured topic for young journalists, and therefore recognition by such awards is all the more necessary.

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