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NDTV hires Malika Malhotra, backing substance over soundbites
MUMBAI: NDTV has roped in seasoned anchor-reporter Malika Malhotra, adding serious weight to its editorial bench and doubling down on journalism that favours depth over din. With nearly a decade of ground-zero reporting, Malhotra’s induction signals a clear editorial intent — more Bharat, less breaking.
Malhotra made headlines for her 100-day marathon at Delhi’s Singhu border, covering the farmers’ protest with grit, grace and a near-unheard-of 12-hour daily routine. But what began as an assignment became a calling — one that earned her the trust of protestors and the respect of viewers.
She’s also among the few to return to stories the rest of the media had moved on from. Her follow-up reporting on the Joshimath land subsidence crisis brought attention back to families still stuck in limbo, proving journalism doesn’t end when the cameras pack up.
‘NDTV has always felt like a space that values calm, clarity, and connection. For me journalism is not about being part of the noise, it’s about getting closer to what really matters. That’s the kind of journalism I have always believed in. Audiences today aren’t just looking for news. They want insight, honesty, and a voice that speaks for them — not to them. NDTV has consistently built that trust. I am proud to be part of it,’ Malhotra said on her joining.
NDTV group CEO & editor-in-chief Rahul Kanwal said, ‘We are very happy to welcome Malika to the NDTV family. She represents the kind of journalism we believe in — honest, grounded, and connected to real people. Her presence will add tremendous value to our editorial direction.’
Her upcoming show on NDTV India (details under wraps for now) will carry this DNA forward — storytelling that’s relevant, rooted, and refuses to shout for attention.
In an era of outrage cycles and race-to-the-top tickers, NDTV’s bet on Malhotra is a signal flare: the age of thoughtful, impact-first journalism may just be making a comeback.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
