News Broadcasting
ZICA announces Kolkata arm
Close on the heels of TOONZ which along with WEBEL (West Bengal Electronics Industry Development Corporation Ltd ) recently set up the first animation school in the north east, Padmalaya ZICA (Zed institute of creative arts) has announced the opening of its Kolkatta branch.
In an advertisement inserted in major newspapers across the country, the institute invited applications for its new batch going to class early august. Having trained over 600 students since its inception in 1995 and with branches already operating in Hyderabad and Mumbai, Kolkata will be the institute’s third centre.
On being asked about its new centre, ZICA’s Rajiv Sangari said that ” We have been considering opening up a branch in Kolkatta for quite some time now, we believe that there is a lot of art and culture in Bengal which holds immense potential for the animation industry”
Set over 4,000 sq. feet, the institute shall boast of machines based on state of the art G5 Mac platform and software like MAYA, Shake and FCP.
Sangari further added that ” In response to our ad, on the first day itself we have received 450 calls, that too on a Sunday.” The total seats open are 160 with 50 each for Kolkatta and Hyderabad and 60 for Mumbai.
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.
