News Broadcasting
That famous dog Lassie celebrates 50 years in TV
MUMBAI This month the dog icon Lassie celebrates 50 years on television. Lassie has become a symbol of love, trust, and heroism since her series debuted on CBS in 1954.
Over the course of 691 television episodes, Lassie grew from a movie star into a cultural icon. Enjoying one of the longest runs in television history, Lassie’s show became a phenomenon. Millions of fans in more than 100 countries tuned in to watch Lassie save Timmy from tigers, cougars, wells, and other perils.
The show topped the Nielsen ratings, inventing the family drama in the process and is said to have influenced the way in which people relate to their pets. In India, the Lassie movies have aired on different channels.
To celebrate the occasion tomorrow (14 September) Lassie: The 50th TV Anniversary Collector’s Edition will be released on DVD and 24 TV episodes will be available in a three-disc collection complete with tonnes of bonus extras.
Lassie is also starring in a new global TV ad campaign for General Electric.
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.
