News Broadcasting
News industry vet Umesh Upadhyay passes away
MUMBAI: Veteran TV journalist Umesh Upadhyay passed on 1 September after what is being described as an accidental fall from the fourth floor of his apartment building in Vasant Kunj in New Delhi. Upadhyay was inspecting the renovation when he stumbled and dropped to the second floor. He was rushed to a hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Umesh had addressed students of the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication on 31 August as a guest lecturer and was active on linkedin even on 1 September wherein he responded to feedback on his talk from students at the institute.
Umesh described himself as a writer, columnist and media consultant and educationist since November 2023 when he left Reliance Industries as president and media director. Prior to that he had had stints with Network18, Janmat TV, Zee News, Home TV, Zee TV, Doordarshan and PTI.
His last rites were conducted earlier today.
A flood of condolences has been pouring in on social media following Umesh’s demise. Prime minister Modi too came on X to express his feelings. Said he: “I am deeply saddened by the demise of senior journalist and writer Umesh Upadhyayji, who made valuable contributions in the field of digital media and TV.”
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.
