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Off-Centre: Tamil writer Vaasanthi to discuss life of J Jayalalithaa
MUMBAI: On the upcoming episode of the show — Off-Centre, the life and times of late Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa will be sicussed with the popular Tamil writer and journalist Vaasanthi. The episode will air on 17 December at 8 pm with a repeat on 18 December at 12:30 pm and 9:30 pm on CNN News18.
In a candid conversation with the host of the show, Anuradha SenGupta, Vaasanthi says that the rest of India will view Jayalalithaa as a very powerful, dynamic and determined leader who was never a good ally to national parties.
Vaasanthi’s biography — “Amma – Jayalalithaa’s Journey from Movie Star to Political Queen” is a bestseller. Vaasanthi adds that Jayalalitha’s character was fascinating. According to her, “People think that she entered politics very reluctantly, but then she was a born politician. She knew exactly what her next move would be, how she would behave, how she would treat her opponents, rivals, allies, she knew. That was amazing.”
Vaasanthi also talks about the unique nature of Tamil politics and the people’s outlook that let an actor who is a Brahmin become the head of an organisation which had its roots in a movement which was anti-Brahmin. She added that Tamils accepted Jayalalithaa and her mentor MGR although they were Malayalis.
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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.
