Awards
ITV Network honours UP’s bravest at Shaurya Samman 2025
MUMBAI: Heroes aren’t born; they are forged in the fires of courage and sacrifice.
While the nation sleeps, they stand guard, embodying resilience and patriotism.
The Shaurya Samman 2025, hosted by ITV Network and India News at Lucknow’s iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, became a beacon of gratitude on 6 January, illuminating the heroic tales of Uttar Pradesh’s police, paramilitary, and army personnel. In a night of honour and reverence, leaders, dignitaries, and citizens united to celebrate those who shield the nation’s soul with unflinching determination and unmatched bravery.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath graced the occasion as the chief guest and presented the Shaurya Samman awards to the families of fallen heroes, including Lance Naik Martyr Sudama Ram, Major Martyr Narendra Kumar Tuli, and Martyr captain Manoj Pandey, among others. Adityanath also honoured retired major Dhirendra Nath Singh, a Veer Chakra awardee for his gallant efforts during the 1965 war.
The chief minister lauded ITV Network’s initiative, emphasising that paying homage to the sacrifices of martyrs is a fundamental duty that fosters national unity. “A martyr’s sacrifice defines a community’s essence, infusing society with renewed vitality,” he stated. He further highlighted the pivotal role of security forces in safeguarding the nation under arduous conditions and referenced PM Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, urging collective effort in achieving this ambitious goal.
The Shaurya Samman ceremony also recognised UP’s leading figures from various walks of life, including actors Vineet Kumar Singh, Kushal Tandon, and Aahana Kumra. Dignitaries like Rajya Sabha MP Kartikeya Sharma and deputy CM Brajesh Pathak commended the state’s police force for its relentless efforts in maintaining law and order. ADG Amitabh Yash reaffirmed Uttar Pradesh’s strengthened security framework, while Pathak highlighted the state’s strides toward development and safety.
The Sunday Guardian Foundation chairperson Aishwarya Pandit Sharma extended gratitude to Adityanath and reaffirmed ITV Network’s commitment to honouring the nation’s brave-hearts. “We remain steadfast in recognising the sacrifices and service of our heroes, ensuring their legacy inspires generations,” she said.
The event underscored the vital importance of honouring those who ensure national security and called for a continued commitment to fostering an equitable and secure society.
Awards
Ajay Kakar to chair jury for ad:tech Honours Awards 2026
Industry leaders join jury as nominations surge for marketing tech awards
NEW DELHI: The ad:tech Honours Awards 2026 are gearing up for a bigger second edition, with Ajay Kakar, head of corporate branding at Adani Group, set to chair the jury for India’s technology-focused marketing awards.
Organised in partnership with the International Advertising Association India Chapter, the awards celebrate the growing influence of technology in shaping modern advertising and marketing outcomes. This year’s edition has drawn a strong response from across the industry, signalling rising momentum around innovation in marketing technology.
The organisers say the nominations reflect a wide range of ideas and approaches, highlighting how brands and agencies are increasingly leaning on platforms, tools and data to sharpen their campaigns and connect with audiences more effectively.
Leading the evaluation process, Kakar will head a jury made up of senior leaders from across brands, agencies and technology platforms.
The jury panel includes Amaresh Godbole, CEO, digital technology business at Publicis Groupe; Bishwajeet S, head of marketing and PR at Volkswagen India; Carol Goyal, executive director at Rediffusion and CEO of Aesthetic Intelligence Lab; Kushal Sanghvi, director at Komerz; Lara Balsara, executive director at Madison World; Rana Barua, group CEO India, sea and North Asia; Deepak Oram, senior vice president growth marketing and martech; and Priyanka Khaneja Gandhi, head of marketing and creative solutions at Amazon Ads India.
The ad:tech Honours Awards aim to recognise not just creative campaigns but the smart use of technology that delivers measurable impact and business results. Categories this year reflect the rapidly evolving digital landscape, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, content ecosystems, automation, martech and adtech integration, and commerce-led marketing.
The winners will be announced on 17 March 2026 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in New Delhi during ad:tech New Delhi 2026. The event is expected to bring together leaders from brands, agencies, platforms, creators and technology partners for an evening celebrating the ideas and innovations shaping the future of marketing.iconductor industries.
