News Broadcasting
Times NOW & Mirror Now announce a special line-up to celebrate the 72nd Independence Day
MUMBAI: As India gears up to celebrate its 72nd Independence Day, India’s leading English news channels, Times Now & Mirror Now, announce their special programming line-up to celebrate the spirit of freedom.
With an underlying focus on the Defence forces, Times Now will air specially curated content through the day. Navika Kumar, Managing Editor on her show, Frankly Speaking will interview the Defence Minister, Nirmala Seetha Raman. Hosted at Asia’s biggest and largest air base, Hindon Air Force station, the show will focus on how the government has changed the paradigm of India’s defence establishment.
Krantibhoomi, a 1-hour special hosted by the Chief Editor, Rahul Shivshankar, will recreate 5 iconic events that were important in the struggle to attain India’s Independence. This will include a panel discussion with the experts including Prof. S. Irfan Habib, Historian & Author, Rakesh Sinha, MP Rajya Sabha & Author, Ashis Nandy, Sociologist, Dr. Ajit Jha, Historian amongst others.
Guarding our Freedom hosted by Consulting Editor (Strategic Affairs), Maroof Raza, will host special interviews with the Param Vir Chakra winners, Hon. Capt Bana Singh, Subedar Major Yogendra Yadav and Subedar Sanjay Singh. The show will feature interactions with these legends on the exceptional bravery displayed by them in the face of adversity and their journey of serving the nation.
Mirror NOW through its line-up of exclusive shows will focus on the expression and spirit of freedom. Through a special show, This is my India, Mirror Now will feature the journey of six individuals who have worked selflessly for the well-being of other fellow Indians and have brought about a change in the society.
Verified, a new feature on the channel will feature a special interview of Dr. Bharat Vatwani by the channel’s Executive Editor, Faye D’Souza. Dr. Vatwani has been instrumental in the rehabilitation and treatment of over 7000 destitute and have united them with their families.
An Urban Debate Special, Faye D’Souza will host an exclusive panel discussion on the daily struggles of LGBTQ community and their fight to challenging the constitutionality of Section 377. The panelists include Parmesh Shahani, Head, Godrej India Culture Lab, film-maker Onir, Dr. Prasad Raj Dendekar, Head of Radiation Oncology, Sir H N Reliance foundation Hospital) and Vasu Primlani (Comedian).
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.
