News Broadcasting
India Ahead CEO Chetan Sharma moves on
MUMBAI: India Ahead (IA) CEO Chetan Sharma has decided to move on from his current position at the Andhra Prabha Group's news channel after almost a two-year long stint.
India Ahead MD Mootha Goutam announced his departure via a letter to the company employees writing, "After seeing the channel through some momentous events in the short history of IA – such as general elections in the world's largest democracy, Parliament sessions, Pulwama attacks etc, Chetan has decided to move on to pursue other interests that are close to his heart, in the areas of teaching and writing. I, personally wish him all the very best in his endeavors and he shall ever remain in the hearts of "Team IA".
Goutam added, "I would like to place on record the immense work put in by Chetan Sharma, who came on board IA during its formative years as the first CEO and steered it through with meticulous planning and put in place a platform in a record time, thus enabling us to move forward with more vigour."
He also announced the beginning of a new chapter for the channel touted 2.0 with some new appointments: group president, news room operations and editorial strategies Sudeep Mukhia; president, national editorial affairs Amit Goel, president, editorial affairs Sudha Sadanand; and president, sales, marketing, new strategies amd collaborations Arjun Pandey.
Goutam further stated in his letter, "My vision for India Ahead, as a promoter, is to stay nimble, fast, relevant; and in this era of technology, I would like us to be seen, perceived and accepted by our viewers as a "tech enabled electronic media" driven by "news channel at the front end and fuelled by a robust "Digital Platform" at the back end. With the advent of the following team members joining today, I foresee a tectonic shift in the process and methodology of delivering news. Your experience, energy and passion should usher in a new era for India Ahead."
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.
