News Broadcasting
BBC’s poll to find the greatest painting in Britain gathers steam
MUMBAI: On 25 July 2005 the BBC Radio 4 in partnership with the National Gallery, launched a poll to find the greatest painting in Britain. Voting for the longlist closed on 8 August.
A panel consisting of art critic Martin Gayford, artist Jonathan Yeo and creative director at the Royal Opera House Deborah Bull oversaw the selection of the shortlist of ten paintings. The top ten shortlisted paintings span over five centuries of European art (from 1434 to 1971) and include works by British, Italian, Dutch, Belgian and French artists. The paintings can be seen in galleries.
The nominees include The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, The Baptism of Christ – by Piero della Francesca and A Rake’s Progress by William Hogarth. The British public can vote for their favourite from the shortlist of the top ten paintings. Voting is through www.bbc.co.uk/today.
On 5 September 2005 at the National Gallery. Today presenter, James Naughtie, will announce on Radio 4 the result of The Greatest Painting in Britain initiative as chosen by the British public.
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.
