News Broadcasting
CDS General Anil Chauhan joins News9 to honour 25 years of Kargil victory
Mumbai: News9 celebrated the valour and sacrifice of the individuals and organisations that made India proud by thwarting the Pakistani army’s attempt to forcibly alter the line of control during the Kargil War in 1999.
The buildup to the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War was marked by a solemn and dignified event at Le Meridien, New Delhi, on 18 July. The News9 and Salute Kargil Honours event was a significant part of the commemoration, honouring the brave soldiers who fought valiantly in the 1999 Kargil conflict.
The event was attended by war veterans, senior armed forces officials, families of Kargil heroes, industry bodies, and defence manufacturers. Panel discussions covered topics such as ‘1999 – How Kargil was Won?’, ‘Artillery – The Game Changer,’ and ‘The Future After Kargil.’
Chief guest – chief of defence staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan delivered an inspiring speech, reflecting on the Kargil War’s importance in India’s military history. “War is a significant political-military event that can change the destiny of a nation. The memory of our soldiers’ sacrifices must become part of our national folklore, inspiring future generations. The Kargil conflict underscored the need for a robust and responsive defence strategy, and today’s event is a testament to our armed forces’ indomitable spirit,” said General Chauhan. The post of CDS, he said, was one of the recommendations of the government-appointed Kargil review committee.
He acknowledged the contributions of war veterans and the families of the fallen heroes, emphasizing the importance of learning from past conflicts to prepare for future challenges. “The Kargil War highlighted the need for eternal vigilance and the significance of joint operations. We must maintain a high degree of operational preparedness to face future threats,” added CDS General Chauhan.
TV9 Network MD and CEO Barun Das expressed the network’s commitment to honouring the nation’s heroes. “The Kargil War taught us invaluable lessons about peace, vigilance, and national unity. Today, as we celebrate the 25th Kargil Vijay Diwas, we at TV9 are proud to pay homage to the bravehearts and their families. The News9 Kargil Honours is our expression of gratitude and respect for their unwavering dedication,” said Das.
Kalyani Group founder and chairman Baba Kalyani also addressed the gathering, expressing deep honour in participating in this momentous event. “Commemorating 25 years of Kargil Vijay Diwas and honouring the war veterans and their families is a tribute to the supreme sacrifices made for our nation. The summer of 1999 remains etched in our memories, as our nation faced a sudden attack on the northern front. Our soldiers’ bravery and our armed forces’ strength showcased India’s determination to defend our sovereignty,” Kalyani remarked.
Kalyani highlighted the significant role played by the defence industry, stating, “The Kargil War left a major imprint on companies engaged in defence manufacturing in India. In response to the nation’s call, we transformed our capabilities to support the Indian Army. Today, we are proud to be at the forefront of designing and manufacturing world-class defence platforms, embodying the spirit of self-reliance and Make in India.”
As India stands strong and united, the memories of the Kargil War remain a beacon of resilience and valour. The News9 Kargil Honours serve as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Indian armed forces and the nation’s commitment to honouring its heroes.
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.
