News Broadcasting
DD institutes monthly awards for inhouse shows
MUMBAI: It’s an incentive that could well help upgrade the quality of programmes on Doordarshan, not to mention encourage talent that usually goes unnoticed in the labyrinth of bureaucracy.
Prasar Bharati has recently taken a decision to introduce a Monthly Award Scheme for Best Programme and Best Graphic Work of the month from September this year. The main purpose of the scheme, according to DD officials, is to encourage in house productions of thematic, aesthetic and technical excellence and promote professionalism and to provide incentive to competent programmers in Doordarshan kendras scattered all over the country.
The scheme has been made mandatory for all Doordarshan Kendras/ Programme Generation Facilities(PGFs) for participation. Five entries selected by the jury for each category at the zonal level will be forwarded to the Prasar Bharati board for consideration for the Best Monthly National Award. Out of these five programmes, one in each category will be selected for National Level Monthly award. At the zonal level, the prize money for the Best Programme Best Graphic Works is Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000, while at the all India level it is Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000. The prize distribution for the Best Programme will be shared by the producer and the team members in 1 40:60 ratio.
The first awards distribution ceremony will be held on 18 November in New 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.
