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Crest promoter Dr Raja Ramanna passes away
MUMBAI: Eminent nuclear scientist and former Crest Communications chairman Dr Raja Ramanna passed away early this morning (3:15 am) following a cardiac arrest in a city hospital. He was 79.
Dr Ramanna was admitted to hospital on Monday after he complained of giddiness and sweating.
Also known as the father of India’s nuclear bomb programme Dr Ramanna was held in high regard by the country’s scientific and academic community. Dignitaries from across the globe, including India’s Prime Minister and President have condoled his death.
Dr Ramanna, who was also the chairman of Indian animation major Crest Communication (now renamed as Crest Animation Studios) is survived by by his wife, two daughters and his son Shyam Ramanna.
Coincidentally, it was only on Monday that Dr Ramanna handed over the chairmanship of the company to Shyam during the Crest AGM. It was also at this AGM that the change in name of the company became effective. It was on 30 July the Crest’s board had recommended that the company’s name be changed so as to properly reflect the fact that today it is focussed purely on the animation business.
Dr Ramanna’s last rites are expected to be performed sometime after 2 pm when Shyam, who is based out of Bangkok, arrives.
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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.
