News Broadcasting
Chennai lad’s ‘Leafy’ story wins grand prize in Disney’s ‘Start Your Story Contest
MUMBAI: Ten year old Samrudh Canpadee from Chennai has won the grand prize of ‘Start Your Story Contest’ presented by Disney Channel in association with Microsoft XP.
Out of over 25,000 original and creative stories sent in by kids from across the India, Samrudh’s story Leafy and Frens, based on the life and times of a leaf, has won him and his family the trip of a lifetime to the Disney Studios in Burbank, California, USA.
Speaking about his story, Samrudh says, “I have read stories with animals, kings and queens are heroes but I have never read a story where a leaf is a hero. So I wrote the story Leafy and Frens where the leaf is the hero of the story. I like writing stories. A lot of ideas come to me in my dreams.”
The contest triggered off a huge response with entries in excess of 25,000, making it a close fight to the top 10 finalist’s slot. All the finalists were rewarded with HP Pavilion Media Centre PCs.
Vignettes of each of the finalists (top 10 stories) have already been aired on Disney Channel. The 10 finalists’ stories were published on the channel’s website for viewer’s to vote for their best story. Five of such voters whose choice of best story matched with that of the jury were also awarded HP Pavilion Media Centre PCs. The top 10 schools who sent in the maximum number of entries across the country also won a HP Media Centre PC each. Apart from this, the top 100 winners short-listed earlier, bagged a Microsoft Encarta CD each along with posters from Disney Channel.
Walt Disney Television International (India) director marketing and communications Tushar Shah said, “Storytelling is an important part of Disney’s heritage. We aim to encourage storytelling and creativity in kids by nurturing their love for fantasy and imagination. Through this contest on Disney Channel, we have been able to provide an exclusive platform that empowers kids to express themselves. The initiative has inspired kids to demonstrate talent while fostering the creative usage of latest technology. I am certain that it has been a unique brand experience for the viewers and marketers alike.”
Microsoft India director, Windows Client Rishi K Srivastava said, “The magic of software is in redefining the computing experience today, enabling more and more individuals across age groups to do more things with their PC and explore new ways to ultimately realise their full potential with technology. In sync with this belief, while conceptualizing this innovative contest with Disney, our singular focus was on encouraging greater creativity and imagination by young minds and introducing them to the rich and collaborative environment of Windows XP which enabled them to bring their stories to life. We are extremely excited by the tremendous response that the contest has generated. Our heartiest congratulations to all the winners.”
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.
