News Broadcasting
CNBC-TV18 launches “The Great Indian Freedom Fest” campaign to foster and encourage financial freedom in young Indians
Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s leading English Business news brand launched ‘The Great Indian Freedom Fest’ campaign on Independence Day to promote the concept of financial freedom among young Indians. Through this initiative, CNBC-TV18 aims to foster a new generation of financially savvy individuals who understand the importance of not just savings but also investments and prudent money management. The Great Indian Freedom Fest kickstarted on 15 August and will continue well into September.
The campaign is aimed towards the country’s youth, especially students pursuing their post-graduation & management degrees, recent graduates, as well as first jobbers, to equip them with the knowledge, guidance and steps to take affirmative actions essential to achieve their financial goals in life. Under this initiative, CNBC-TV18 is collaborating with esteemed institutions such as NMIMS Bangalore, IBS Mumbai and more to extend its outreach and connect with the larger student community.
The Great Indian Freedom Fest will feature insightful discussions with visionary leaders who have achieved remarkable success in their fields while mastering the art of money management and wealth creation. For the Bengaluru chapter, startup mavens Jumbotail co-founder & CEO Karthik Venkateswaran and INSTAMOJO co-founder Akash Gehani along with CNBC-TV18’s Ritu Singh visited the NMIMS Bengaluru campus and interacted with the financially savvy generation of today. These luminaries shared their inspiring journeys, insights on success, and valuable advice on the steps towards financial freedom, as well as guided students through the intricacies of today’s investment landscape. Karthik Venkateswaran of Jumbotail emphasised the importance of investing in relationships to build successful ventures, whereas Akash Gehani of INSTAMOJO shared that discipline is the absolute key to success and it is about getting the small things right.
Commenting on the initiative, CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “The concept of freedom has evolved significantly since the past few decades, extending beyond political liberation to encompass achieving personal goals and financial empowerment. Recognizing this shift, CNBC-TV18 as a trusted partner and investment ally is delighted to present ‘The Great Indian Freedom Fest.’ This interactive campaign aims to redefine freedom to align with the modern ambitions of achieving ‘Financial Freedom’, and guide the younger cohorts on their journey to successful money management, investments and overall financial independence.”
Network18 CEO business news Smriti Mehra said, “Empowering the young minds of India with financial knowledge is not just an initiative, it’s a commitment to shaping a more informed and prosperous future. Through ‘The Great Indian Freedom Fest,’ we’re lighting the path to financial literacy, guiding students towards economic independence one lesson at a time and ensuring that they all hold the torch of economic independence & informed decision-making.”
Catch the Bengaluru chapter on CNBC-TV18 & CNBC-TV18.com on Saturday, 26 August, 10.30 pm and Sunday, 27 August, 6.30 pm.
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.
