News Broadcasting
Thums Up-Being Human VEER Campaign in partnership with CNN-IBN & AIF
MUMBAI: Thums Up-Being Human campaign VEER, in partnership with CNN-IBN &American India Foundation (AIF), has already managed to collect INR 50 lakh in donations, a landmark feat after just one month of its launch. The campaign, which was launched on January 24, had set out to raise at least INR 75 lakhs to make 1,000 people with disabilities employable.
Since the launch of VEER, CNN-IBN and IBN7 have showcased inspiring stories of people with disabilities (PwDs), who despite various obstacles have managed to achieve success and earn people’s respect. These stories have touched people across India, many of whom have come forward to support the cause. Also, these channels have carried candid and detailed discussions on issues related to disability, which have spread nationwide awareness about this cause.
Now in its second month, the VEER campaign aims to meet its target and help PwDs get the necessary skills and training.
Alvira Khan on behalf of Salman’s Being Human foundation, said, “We at Being Human-the Salman Khan Foundation thank all those who have supported the Veer initiative. We hope the campaign continues to grow in strength.”
Rajdeep Sardesai, Editor-in-chief, IBN Network, said, “We would like to thank all those individuals and groups who have helped us reach this landmark of INR 50 lakh. We believe that people will continue to support this campaign and help us achieve success.”
Debabrata Mukherjee, VP-Marketing & Commercial, Coca-Cola India said, “Thums Up as a brand believes that every one of us has the potential that just needs to be unleashed. We came up with ‘Veer’ to offer people with disabilities a platform to unleash their potential. With support from our partners and donors, we are glad to announce that we have raised INR 50 lakh within a month.”
Dr. Hemanth Paul, Country Director, AIF, said, “As an NGO that has been working on the whole livelihood space for the last eight years, the Veer campaign aimed at raising funds for the empowerment of persons with disabilities and getting them an equal stature in the society. We cannot thank our supporters enough for the help that they have extended. There is much more to do before we reach out target, but the response that we have received so far is an assurance that the initiative will definitely be a success.”
The series has been running in conjunction with digital platforms. A dedicated call centre- 0120-4019191, a website – www.theveer.in, and a mobile app – VEER has been set up to enable people to make contributions. One can also send an SMS, ‘VEER’ to 51818 to know more about the initiative and make individual donations.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
