News Broadcasting
News18’s Natkhat Kanha contest draws massive Janmashtami response
Mumbai: Every year, India comes alive with the vibrant celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami, the auspicious festival commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees from across the nation immerse themselves in prayers and festivities, and News18, India’s number one news network, once again played a pivotal role in bringing the joyous spirit of this festival to life.
The ‘Natkhat Kanha’ contest, a beloved tradition for News18 HSM Network, invited viewers to share heart-warming pictures of their children dressed as little Kanhas, echoing the playful spirit of Lord Krishna himself across its channels across the Hindi heartland, namely News18 Rajasthan, News18 Madhya Pradesh/Chhattisgarh, News18 Bihar/Jharkhand, and News18 Uttar Pradesh/Uttarakhand.
The contest received immense support and participation from the audience, both on the HSM channels and across various social media platforms, reaching an estimated 35 million individuals. Thousands of participants shared adorable images of their children dressed as Lord Krishna. The participation of various schools for the region added further to the excitement around the contest.
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.
