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Pencils to the podium as Nataraj draws focus at NDTV Indian of the Year
MUMBAI: When the spotlight shifts from speeches to sketchpads, you know creativity has entered the room. Hindustan Pencils, the company behind classroom staples Nataraj and Apsara, has signed on as the official stationery partner for NDTV Indian of the Year 2025, bringing its long-running love affair with expression to one of the country’s most watched award stages.
The association sees Nataraj lean into its Be Bold positioning, linking stationery often seen as humble and utilitarian with big ideas, cultural achievement and fearless self-expression. The brand’s presence will be woven into the ceremony rather than parked on the sidelines.
One of the evening’s key moments will see a senior member of Hindustan Pencils’ management present the best director of the year award. That handover will be followed by a tight 2–3 minute on-stage conversation, offering a glimpse into how the Be Bold philosophy has shaped Nataraj’s thinking and why creativity still matters in an increasingly digital-first world.
Adding a visual flourish, Hindustan Pencils has curated a live sketch artist experience, with a commissioned illustrator creating custom artwork for each award winner in real time. The idea is to turn recognition into something tangible, a personalised illustration that doubles up as a memento and a nod to the brand’s drawing-led legacy.
Away from the main stage, guests will also find a Nataraj Be Bold photo booth, designed as an interactive pit stop rather than a static backdrop. The installation invites attendees to play, pose and take home keepsakes, extending the theme of expression beyond the formal proceedings.
Speaking about the partnership, Hindustan Pencils chief marketing officer Aishwarya Shinod said the association felt like a natural fit for a brand built around ideas and imagination. The awards, she noted, celebrate individuals shaping India’s future, a narrative that aligns closely with Nataraj’s long-standing focus on creativity and confidence.
With this tie-up, Hindustan Pencils moves stationery out of the pencil box and into the cultural conversation, using the NDTV Indian of the Year platform to remind audiences that bold thinking often begins with a simple line on paper.
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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.
