News Broadcasting
CNBC-TV18’s unveils 2nd season of ‘Future. Female. Forward’
Mumbai: CNBC-TV18, India’s No. 1 English business news channel, is excited to announce the second edition of CNBC-TV18’s Future. Female. Forward – The Women’s Collective presented by HSBC India. The season will kick-off with a dynamic launch event on 10th February 2024, in New Delhi, resonating with CNBC-TV18’s commitment towards celebrating female power and promote gender diversity and inclusivity in the business landscape.
The inaugural season of this initiative garnered appreciation and participation from India’s top policymakers, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and opinion leaders alike. Season 2 promises to take cause further to its goal through this integrated campaign consisting of sustained events, content, conversations, engagements, and partnerships. The mission is clear – Equitable Gain. Equal Participation. Infinite Growth.
The event will see a powerful leadership panel, inspiring fireside chats & keynotes, along with honouring remarkable achievers, called “The FFF ICONS”, who have shattered the glass ceiling and inspired millions across the nation. Notable names that will be present at the launch event include Smriti Irani, Minister of Women & Child Development of India; Amitabh Kant; Former CEO of NITI Aayog; Roshni Nadar, Chairperson of HCLTech; Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; Ravi Kumar, CEO, Cognizant; Meera Shankar, Former Indian Ambassador to USA, Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India; Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India; Naina Lal Kidwai, Former President, FICCI; Commander Prerna Deosthalee from the Indian Navy; Col. Bindu Nair from the Indian Army, Tamil Nadu; Dr Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics; Nigar Shaji, Scientist at UR Rao Satellite Centre; Suman Nalwa, DCP & PRO, Delhi Police; Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels; Kami Viswanathan, President – Middle East, Indian Subcontinent and Africa, FedEx; Ghazal Alagh, Co-Founder, Honasa Consumer; Upasana Taku, Co-Founder of Mobikwik; Rani Rampal, Member, Indian Hockey Team & Coach; Hephzibah Pathak, Global Brand Director, Ogilvy & Mather among others.
The evening will commence with a spectacular musical performance by the Delhi Police’ award winning all-women band, who the caught the nation’s eye by their fantastic performance and display at this year’s Repulic Day parade. Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18 will be doing the opening note for the event, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Smriti Irani, Minister of Women and Child Development of India, where she would deep dive into India’s alliance for global good and advancing gender equity & equality. The logo for Season 2 will be unveiled in a unique and grand fashion, showcased through a custom-made live plant version of the Future. Female. Forward. logo, symbolizing how this crucial movement is alive and thriving across the country.
The launch event will also see an insightful Fireside chats on crucial topics such as ‘Fostering Parity in the New World Order’, with Jenny Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton, and on “Championing Gender Inclusion” with Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India, in conversation with Shereen Bhan. The Leaders’ panel on ‘Bridging the Gender Gap: Strategies for Equality & Inclusion’ will see Hitendra Dave, CEO, HSBC India; Ravi Kumar, CEO, Cognizant; Kami Vishwanathan, President – Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa, FedEx and Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC and Hervé Delphin, EU Ambassador to India share their insights and ideas on the topic.
CNBC-TV18 managing editor Shereen Bhan said, “CNBC-TV18 has been the leader in fostering & advancing conversations on gender parity, empowering female entrepreneurs and providing a playbook on creating an equal-opportunities workplace. With the second edition of Future. Female. Forward, our goal is to continue to showcase a diverse pool of women achievers and engage with leaders on the measures needed to create a more balanced & inclusive workplace. With Season 2, we aim to ignite conversations that lead to concrete actions for a more equitable future. We also plan to recognize and applaud the accomplishments of exceptional champions, the FFF Icons, who have broken barriers and stereotypes, and have inspired millions of women across the country to follow their dreams. “
HSBC India CEO Hitendra Dave emphasised, “Diversity and gender parity are vital for longevity, quality and business growth. At HSBC, we believe embracing inclusivity isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a culture where all individuals are valued and empowered. With supportive policies, inclusive workplace cultures, societal awareness and overcoming personal biases, we can wholeheartedly embrace gender parity and foster innovation. By prioritizing diversity, companies can tap into a wealth of perspectives and experiences, driving innovation and success in today’s dynamic marketplace. We are delighted to partner with CNBC-TV18 to play the role of a Catalyst to make gender parity a reality for the larger community.”
Network18 CEO- Business News Smriti Mehra, said, “The second edition of Future. Female. Forward Season 2 plans to explore solutions to create a gender-equitable workforce for women, sparking conversations that bring diverse perspectives and value to every individual. This season is all about taking inspiration and turning it into action, as it is our endeavour to make the world a more inclusive space for all. It’s not just a continuation but a big step forward, a sign for all of us working together to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, has an equal and fair chance. We would like to thank our partners HSBC India, HCLTech, ITC and FedEx for associating with us on this meaningful initiative.”
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.
