News Broadcasting
Swaraj stresses importance of media
NEW DELHI: The information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj has called upon the media to introspect and contribute to make India a strong and a vibrant democratic India to take its due place in the comity of nations.
Delivering her address at a function to mark National Press Day, here on Friday, Swaraj regretted that in today’s media scenario, which has undergone a sea change after the technology explosion, sensational news has edged out developmental and positive news. In a race for being the first and most sensational, positive aspects of news items are being sacrificed, she said. Sensation may be a good saleable commodity commercially, but it is not in the overall interests of the country, she added.
The eminent jurist and MP, FS Nariman, who delivered the keynote address on ‘Future of India: Role of Media’ said that the media must be sensitive to the people’s problems and should lean on the side of the weak and the oppressed. It must be responsible to the Constitution and the country and not to the government, the business houses or the politicians. A free and robust press is a must for the successful functioning of our democratic system, Nariman said.
The chairman of the Press Council of India, Justice Jaichandra Reddy, said that the spirit of the freedom struggle have to be revived and media must re-dedicate itself to the good old values of the profession of journalism. Small and medium newspapers, which have more and better access to rural and far-flung areas, have a greater role in awakening the people, he said.
Lok Sabha speaker Manohar Joshi presided over the function.
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.
