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Niranjan Hiranandani to take over as Chairman of Priyadarshni Academy on 19 september 2013
MUMBAI: Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Founder & MD Hiranandani Constructions, will take over Chairmanship of Priyadarshni Academy, one of the most prominent NGOs in Mumbai, effective September 19, 2013.
Mr. Nanik Rupani, its Founder, and Chairman for the past 29 years will be its Chairman Emeritus, devoting more time to publishing books containing ancient Indian wisdom, in order to reach an international audience. This has been his passion for some time.
Priyadarshni Academy, a non-profit, socio-cultural and educational non-governmental organization was set up in 1985. The Academy believes that service to mankind is the best work of life and has successfully met its goals consistently since its inception. It provides educational assistance to deserving and needy students, promotes opportunities to talented artistes in the fields of classical music and dance, and encourages literary activities in a few regional languages.
Under Mr. Nanik Rupani’s Chairmanship, the Academy’s Biennial Global Awards Function has become a very significant event which puts India on the map of the world as it honors national and global dignitaries for their outstanding contribution to society.
Mr. Hiranandani is currently the Academy’s Vice Chairman and has been rendering a very vital role in all its activities and achievements.
Managing Director of the Hiranandani Group of Companies, the Group is today considered as a producer of best quality housing and commercial premises in the country. Apart from construction, the group has diversified into education, horticulture, hospitality, entertainment and retail. It has forayed into the Healthcare sector with the Dr. L.H. Hiranandani Super Specialty Hospital at Powai.
The transformation of a barren land in Powai from a lonely hillside quarry with about 20 trees to one that is bustling with activity, with over 200 acres of greenery, as well as top-of-the-line commercial, residential, recreational and educational facilities is something the city of Mumbai cherishes. The Group has gone international with 23 Marina – a 395m high 90 storied neo-lifestyle residential tower coming up in the upscale Marina region of Dubai.
Mr. Hiranandani completed his schooling from Campion School, Mumbai and graduated with a B. Com. (Hons.) with a distinction of standing Second in Mumbai University. He completed his F.C.A. from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
Mr. Hiranandani is actively associated with and holds key positions in various government bodies, social institutions, and schools and colleges.
Some of his past achievements include drafting the State Policy for Slum Rehabilitation in Mumbai designed to improve the well being of over 6 million slum inhabitants; acting as a trustee for the creation of Nathdwara Township as a heritage destination; serving on the board of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO), an organization which distributes US$3 billion per annum to help fund the building of housing for low income families; acting as an adviser to the Government of India on housing and habitat policy for over a decade and was also the President of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC).
He is currently the President of the Hyderabad Sind National Collegiate Board (HSNC Board) managing of 17 colleges and 10 schools in the city of Mumbai. He is serving as Chairman of Housing Committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Indian Merchants’ Chamber (IMC).
Leadership, brilliance, ‘untiring zest for excellence’ and ‘down-to-earth’ are words that come to mind when one comes face-to-face with Mr. Hiranandani. He will assuredly bring in new thinking and experience into the Academy.
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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.
