News Broadcasting
‘Being Indian’: Isha Dua on BBC World
As part of the Growing Up season on BBC World, this week’s episode of Being Indian examines Isha Dua’s privileged life in comparison with the millions of less fortunate children in Delhi. As the daughter of wealthy, middle-class parents she enjoys a private education and does not yet have to marry or work unlike many Indian children.
In this programme Isha, and her 16-year-old friend Ankita, attend a conference about the abolition of child marriage. Isha and her fellow students try to make a difference by going out into the slums to gather information for UNICEF to find out whether money being spent on development is really helping the poor. For Isha it’s a real eye opener: “I learnt how difficult it is to survive. What upset me the most was that children have to work for their living at such a tender age when they should be playing or studying. I used to spend a lot of money on chocolate. Now I don’t because I feel guilty about it. If they can’t eat it, how can I?”
Further information:
Deeptie Sethi/ Neha Sharma
BBC World
Tel: 91 11 2341 2672/73 Extn. 102, Fax: 91 11 2341 1109
Email: deeptie.sethi@bbc.co.uk
Notes to Editors: BBC World, the BBC’s commercially funded international 24-hour news and information channel, is owned and operated by BBC World Ltd, a member of the BBC’s commercial group of companies. BBC World is available in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide, and reaches 279 million households (139 million 24-hour homes) and more than one million hotel rooms. BBC World launched in its present format in 1995 and is funded by advertising and subscription. For further information on how to receive BBC World, download schedules or find out more about the channel, visit bbcworld.com
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.
