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“The Southern States Are Showing the Way”: Gurcharan Das
Mumbai: “A lot of people, like me, are in the middle of the political spectrum; and I am a liberal”, said, noted public intellectual, author, and commentator, Gurcharan Das, sharing his thoughts on the Southern Rising Summit at ABP Network’s “The Southern Rising” Summit. “Being a liberal, you are on a lonely road, as there’s no one to vote for.”
Speaking on the session, “In Search of Freedom: The Personal and Political,” Gurcharan Das elaborated upon the history of India in his lifetime. “The big change is that we were economically challenged for the first 40 years,” he remarked. “The nation was shackled for a period of 40 years, and as the world witnessed Japan’s rise, it was imperative that decisive action be taken at that time”
On the education system, Das said, “Even today 80% of Indians do not have access to quality education. Only 20 percent of people have access to quality education. They can make a Silicon Valley city like Bengaluru and revolutionize the IT industry.”
“Education is not about rote learning, it’s about questioning. My advice to youths will be to live and examine life,” the author said.
When discussing the growth of southern states, he observed that “Tamil Nadu possesses a magic, with a well-established governance system. Its per capita income has witnessed a remarkable doubling. Overall, in terms of growth the southern states are showing the way.”
Speaking about his memoir, Das, shared a message for the youth, “The good reason to write your memoir is to re-live your life. My mother taught me to make a living; my father taught me to make a life”
‘The Southern Rising’ Summit was conceptualised and instituted by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.
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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.
