News Broadcasting
Dasmunsi launches Zee News director Laxmi Goel’s book ‘Pehal’
NEW DELHI: You cannot fault Zee News for not trying. Ratings, or the lack of it, notwithstanding.
I&B minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi, along with Zee News director and author of the book Laxmi N. Goel, after unveiling `Pehal’ And the fact was also noted by information and broadcasting minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi yesterday when he said here, “I wish more news channels would follow Zee News’ examples of showing programmes that are not always aimed at garnering ratings, but aimed at highlighting life beyond politicians, sting and page three.”
Speaking at a the launch of a book Pehal, which has been inspired by a programme of the same name on Zee News, Dasmunsi took a light-hearted dig at television channels, which are “running after TRPs” and have forgotten their social responsibilities.
Former Zee News anchor Nidhi Kulpati, who has joined NDTV India, with Dish TV business head Jawahar Goel at the post-launch party Zee News director Laxmi N. Goel, who has authored Pehal that carries a chapter each on the big difference made in the society by small unknown people from various parts of the country, said, “I am really moved by the efforts of these ordinary people who are really leading extraordinary lives.”
He added, “They deserve more in their lives. This book should really be reaching out to every corner of the nation and inspire our citizens to help the cause within their own limitations and, if possible, to open a new front to provide a solution to the problems persisting in their immediate environment.”
Among the channel’s socially motivated programmes, Goel said Pehal has acquired a unique place because of its larger than life tales of true humanity.
Forty of those who featured in the programme and the book were also honoured with a plaque at the Friday event, which was attended by many prominent people of Delhi.
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.
