News Broadcasting
Exclusive political debate with Chief Minister creates huge media buzz at Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards 2018
Mumbai: Lokmat, Maharashtra’s and Pune’s Number 1 newspaper, hosted the 5th edition of its highest platform of recognition – ‘UPL presents Lokmat Maharashtrian of the year Awards 2018 powered by Money Trade Coin Group. This initiative by Lokmat honored the most exceptional work done by individuals in their respective sectors. Power packed with eminent political bigwigs, it witnessed 1st time Shri Devendra Fadnavis in an explosive interview with Mr. Sanjay Raut, Executive Editor, Dainik Saamna. The event with 360 degree marketing is one of the sought after and well attended events in Mumbai which boasts of 70 nominees, 17 winners, 15 jury members, 4500 audience backed by 1st of its kind unique content in the presence of people as Piyush Goyal, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ravi Shastri, Shreya Ghoshal amongst others. The event got a multimedia presence amplified in print, digital, outdoor, PR and TV. The awards received an overall 360 degree media reach of 150 MN and online voting of 2.2 MN. #MaharashtrianoftheYear was trending for 24hrs with a reach of 20 MN on Twitter. The event was executed by Taplight.
Winners of 2018 –
|
Sr. No.  |
Category |
Winner |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Maharashtra Bhushan |
Piyush Goyal |
|
2 |
Power Icon |
Kareena Kapoor |
|
3 |
Social Influencer |
Akshay Kumar |
|
4 |
Maharashtracha Abhimaan |
Ravi Shastri |
|
5 |
Lifetime Achievement |
Dr. D. Y. Patil |
|
6 |
Social Service |
Dinkar Kamble |
|
7 |
Social Service |
Shantilal Muttha |
|
8 |
Sports |
Aakanksha Hagawane |
|
9 |
Theatre (Male) |
Chandrakant Kulkarni |
|
10 |
Theatre (Female) |
Rutuja Bagwe |
|
11 |
Film (Male) |
Sumeet Raghavan |
|
12 |
Film (Female) |
Sonali Kulkarni |
|
13 |
Film (Female) |
Sumitra Bhave |
|
14 |
Performing Arts |
Shreya Ghoshal |
|
15 |
Medical |
Dr. Milind Kirtane |
|
16 |
Business |
Rahul Dhoot |
|
17 |
IAS – Promising |
G. Sreekanth |
|
18 |
IPS – Promising |
Abhinav Deshmukh |
|
19 |
Powerful Politician |
Dhananjay Munde |
|
20 |
Powerful Politician |
Poonam Mahajan |
|
21 |
CSR |
Procter & Gamble |
Esteemed jury for the 2018 award ceremony included Mr. Prakash Javdekar (Union Minister), Shri Prithviraj Chauhan (Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra), Padma Shri Dr. Abhay Bang renowned social worker, Dr. Rajendra Bhadwe (Oncologist), Mr. Vikram Shroff (Executive Director, UPL), Dr. Bhalchandra Mungekar (Former MP, Economist & Ex-Vice Chancellor), Mr. Prasoon Joshi (Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification), Mr. Raj Nayak (CEO Colors-Viacom 18), Mr. Anu Malik (Music Director), Mr. Ajay-Atul (Music Director-Composer), Mr. Rahul Joshi (Group Editor, Network 18), Ms. Nivedita Saraf (Marathi Actress), Mr. Ravi Jadhav (Film Director) Mr. Ayaz Memon (Sports Journalist) and Mr. Vijay Darda, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha (1998-2016) & Chairman – Lokmat Media Group).
Founder of LMOTY – Mr. Rishi Darda, Joint Managing & Editorial Director, Lokmat Media Group said, “Lokmat Maharashtrian of the Year Awards is a true testament of the dedication and sheer hard work of people who emerge winners due to their contribution in that area. With a huge round of expectation from our readers and partners, this event brings people from sports, lifestyle, cinema and politics on one platform bringing out the best in each one of them through candid conversations. The interview of Shri Devendra Fadnavis, prior to elections, has been one of the most viral videos from the event and has taken the social media by storm. Content and great engagement with readers is something that Lokmat stands for. ”
“I am extremely delighted that we have honored the eminent personalities who are drivers of change in Maharashtra through Maharashtrian of the year. The awards are a testimony of the positive impact made by individuals to promote Maharashtra on the national and global platform and from UPL we are happy to be part of this uniquely prestigious property that involves great level of public voting as well as a jury shortlist process. Apart from print of Lokmat, the property is amplified in other media and through noteworthy alliances which gives us a widespread visibility.” said Mr. Jai Shroff, Global CEO, UPL – Presenting Sponsor.
Partners of the event were – Presenting partner – UPL, powered by Money Trade Coin Group, investment partner – IIFL, realty partner – Sai Estate Consultant, jewelry partner – Goodwin, outdoor partner – Bright Outdoor, associate partner – New India Assurance, intellectual partner – Crossword, radio partner – 92.7Big FM, mobility partner – Ola and TV news partner – ABP News and ABP Majha. The TV partners of the event – ABP News and ABP Majha telecasted a special episode on April 15th to show the highlights of the event for a larger TV audience.
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.
