Ramnath Goenka Awards: Vice President Says Fearless Journalism is the Backbone of Democracy
20th edition held in New Delhi; 25 journalists honored across 18 categories including Hindi and regional media
New Delhi
C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards in New Delhi, stating that these awards celebrate not just professional excellence but also the enduring spirit of fearless and principled journalism.
He noted that over the past two decades, the awards have honored the legacy of Ramnath Goenka, whose work was defined by courage, independence, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
The Vice President emphasized that at a time when media is both powerful and under intense scrutiny, Goenka’s ideals continue to serve as a guiding force.
Recalling Historical Contributions
He highlighted Goenka’s role during the Quit India Movement, when he chose to shut down his newspaper in protest against British censorship.
Referring to the Indian Emergency, he said that publishing blank editorials during that period became a powerful symbol of press freedom and the right to expression.
Role of Media Institutions
The Vice President praised The Indian Express for continuing to uphold values of fairness, courage, and independence. He stressed that media institutions must present national and global developments from an Indian civilizational perspective.
He also underlined the importance of highlighting stories of progress, innovation, and grassroots transformation, along with challenges, to maintain a balanced narrative.
Importance of Democratic Dialogue
He said that debate, discussion, and even dissent are vital in a democracy, but their ultimate goal should be constructive decision-making in the national interest, not disruption.
Award Winners
Journalists were honored across multiple categories:
* **Print (Hindi):** Avdhesh Akodia (Dainik Bhaskar)
* **Broadcast/Digital (Hindi):** Sarvpriya Sangwan (BBC News Hindi)
* **Regional Languages (Print/Digital):** Mohammed Sabith U.M., Akhil Shivanand
* **Broadcast/Digital (Regional):** Fousia Mustafa (News Malayalam 24×7)
* **Environment, Science & Technology:** Jayshree Nandi, Tannu Jain (Hindustan Times)
* **Digital (Environment):** Rohini Krishnamurthy, Dhruviy Parling (Down To Earth)
* **Uncovering India Invisible:** Vijay Pal Dudi (Dainik Bhaskar)
* **Digital:** Basant Kumar (NewsLaundry)
* **Business & Economy:** Praveen Paramshivam, Munsif Vengattil, Aditya Kalra (Thomson Reuters)
25 Awards Across 18 Categories
Instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, the awards recognize excellence in investigative journalism, politics and government reporting, feature writing, books, sports, and regional journalism across print, digital, and broadcast platforms.
Jury Panel
The jury for this edition included eminent personalities such as B. N. Srikrishna, C. Raj Kumar, K. G. Suresh, Rohini Nilekani, and S. Y. Quraishi.
The jury noted that the selection process was highly competitive, with many entries of exceptional quality and close margins between winners.
Let’s take a quick look at who Ramnath Goenka was and what the story of his life entailed.
Ramnath Goenka: The Fearless Voice of Indian Journalism Still Inspiring Generation
From Darbhanga to shaping India’s media landscape, a crusader for press freedom and truth,
Ramnath Goenka remains one of the most influential figures in the history of Indian journalism, known for his courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to press freedom. Born on April 3, 1904, in Bihar’s Darbhanga district, Goenka’s journey is a remarkable story of determination and vision.
At the young age of 15, he moved to Chennai (then Madras) in search of work, marking the beginning of a journey that would later redefine Indian media.
Historic Contribution to Media
In the 1930s, Goenka founded the The Indian Express group, which went on to become one of India’s most respected and fearless newspaper organizations. Under his leadership, The Indian Express consistently stood for truth and public interest, often questioning those in power.
During the The Emergency (India 1975–1977), when press censorship was at its peak, Goenka took a bold stand against government control, reinforcing his legacy as a defender of democratic values.
Honours and Legacy
Recognizing his immense contribution, India Today named him among the “100 People Who Shaped India” in 2000. In his honor, the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards have been presented annually since 2006 to celebrate excellence in journalism across the country.
An Enduring Inspiration
Ramnath Goenka was not just a publisher, but also a freedom fighter and a strong pillar of democracy. His legacy continues to inspire journalists to stand firm for truth, uphold independence, and practice fearless journalism in the face of challenges
Congratulating all awardees, the Vice President said that honoring excellence in journalism strengthens democratic values
and ensures that the spirit of fearless reporting continues to thrive.
