News Broadcasting
Zee Media Corp Ltd and Rotary International join forces for Global Mindcare Conclave
Mumbai: In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, Zee Media Corporation Ltd partnered with Rotary International (District 3012, Rotary Club of Delhi North), the Cosmos Institute of Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences (CIMBS), New Delhi, and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) to host the inaugural Global Mindcare Conclave on 10 October 2023. The event resonated as a pivotal global advocacy for mental health rights while also focusing on addressing India’s pressing mental health challenges.
The prestigious Global Mindcare conclave was inaugurated by former Chief Justice of India UU Lalit, along with Zee Media CEO Abhay Ojha, Rotary immediate past district governor Dr. Lalit Khanna, and WFMH VP Dr. Sunil Mittal, addressed the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’. This conclave served as a comprehensive platform for diverse mental health stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), caregivers, and individuals with lived experiences of mental health disorders. It facilitated in-depth discussions on overcoming barriers, forging partnerships within the mental health sector, and exploring advancements in mental healthcare.
Key highlights from the Global Mindcare Conclave :
- Mental health statistics: Dr. Sunil Mittal underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that nearly 1 billion individuals worldwide grapple with mental disorders, with 20 crore individuals residing in India. Notably, the National Mental Health Survey (2015-2016) unveiled that one in every sixth Indian requires mental health support, demanding immediate innovative interventions.
- Wide range of mental health topics: The conclave hosted eight informative sessions, encompassing a wide spectrum of mental health topics. These sessions included a global and Indian perspective on mental health rights, discussions on mental health law and policy, and an exploration of advancements in mental healthcare. A particular highlight was the discussion on the Tele-Manas program and the role of private psychiatrists in augmenting mental health services.
- Rotary Connect and Care Campaign: Rotary, in collaboration with CIMBS and WFMH, unveiled the Rotary Connect and Care campaign on Mental Health, designed to raise awareness, combat stigma, and provide advanced mental health treatments, including Deep TMS, to underserved populations.
- Psychological First Aid Training: Rotary also revealed its plan to train one lakh individuals in psychological first aid, empowering them as first responders. Zee Media Corp Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha expressed full support for this initiative.
- Recognising Mental Health Advocacy: The conclave paid tribute to individuals from diverse sectors for their significant contributions to mental health by presenting them with “Excellence in Mental Health Care” awards.
Key participants included prominent figures such as Dr. V.K. Paul (Member, NITI Aayog), Dr. Randeep Guleria (Chairman, Dept of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Medanta), Dr. Upasana Arora (MD, Yashoda Superspeciality Hospitals), and Dr. Shikha Nehru Sharma (founder, Nutriwell Health (India)), among others.
Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO Abhay Ojha highlighted “As media advocates, we have a responsibility to promote positive change. The Global Mindcare Conclave is a step forward towards uniting like-minded partners and advocate for the right to mental health. Our goal is to amplify the conversation, challenge misconceptions, and foster a more inclusive mental health landscape.”
It was a resounding success in fostering collaborative efforts to enhance global mental healthcare. The Global Mindcare Conclave also delved into the critical relationship between nutrition and mental health and highlighted the importance of communication and relationships in maintaining good mental health.
Zee Media Corp Ltd, one of India’s leading media companies, has a strong presence in the news and regional genres, with 16 news channels in seven different languages, reaching more than 528 million viewers through its linear and digital properties.
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.
