News Broadcasting
This Independence Day, own up to your freedom, pledge ‘Maa Kasam Hindustan’ With MTV ACT
MUMBAI: MTV has announced its new take on freedom through “Maa Kasam Hindustan” with MTV ACT. The initiative has been launched with series of campaigns that urge the youth to stop being a fence sitter; but to take a stand and take action against issues that concern them. The campaign is based on MTV ACT philosophy that every action counts -no matter how small it is. And, is backed with numerous initiatives that are supported under MTV ACT s pro social platform.
Leading the campaign, John Abraham and Nargis Fakhri have joined hands with the MTV VJs to bring about a change. All the MTV VJs & faces – Anusha, Gaelyn, Nikhil Chinapa, Cyrus Brocha, Rannvijay and Raghu will participate in the campaign by taking their very own Maa Kasam oath on-air. Each promo will feature one VJ talking about that one change they would like to bring about in India. Right from conservation of paper and animal welfare to racial discrimination and cleanliness, the campaign will see the VJs taking a pledge for all. Each person pledges their action to make a difference to life surrounding them. Lead musicians including AR Rahman, Salim Suleiman and Papon, are also taking the pledge by “Maa Kasam Hindustan”. Starting August 12, 2013 the campaign will engage with the youth till the end of the month.
Speaking about this initiative Bollywood hunk John Abraham said, “I am really excited to be associated with Maa Kasam Hindustan Campaign. I do believe that the future of the country lies in the hands of this generation and only they can bring about the required changes. So come on India, voice your opinion and make the difference.”
The beautiful Nargis Fakhri said, “I think it’s high time we all take charge of the situation and not rely on others to bring about a difference in the country. Through this campaign we are urging all the youngsters to take an oath and make their actions count. Maa Kasam Hindustan is really an amazing campaign and I am extremely happy to be associated with it.”
Speaking about this initiative, Aditya Swamy, EVP and Business Head, MTV India says, “Young people have the power to inspire and the power to drive change …This Independence Day we are bringing to light what youth icons are doing in their everyday lives to make a difference ..ACT now , every action counts .. Because maakasam it’s our Hindustan ”
This pledge by swear campaign is backed by MTV’s own pro social platform MTV ACT that enages with over 20 NGOs and independent organizations to support cause baaed initiatives across verticals like environment, recycle, education and animal welfare. In past, MTV ACT has worked with Greenpeace, TeachIndia, SIFE, Peta, Akanksha etc. to support multiple causes across these verticals. In addition to John Abraham, Nargis Fakhri and the MTV VJs, the Maa Kasam Hindustan campaign will also feature the youth who have pledged to do their bit for the nation. It will also see extensive digital promotions and on-air promotions.
For those who want to pledge to make a difference this Independence day can log on to www.mtvindia.com/maakasam or they can simply select any one or more causes that they would like to lend support to through MTV ACT . Youth can support across causes by donating time or money to the NGOs working for the cause.
This Independence Day take a pledge, be the change maker with Maa Kasam Hindustan only on MTV! MTV ACT – every action counts!
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.
