New Delhi: The Indraprastha Vishwa Samvad Kendra (IVSK) successfully hosted the prestigious Devrishi Narad Patrakar Samman 2025 in Delhi on June 27, honouring 12 journalists for their exceptional contributions across various categories of media. The grand ceremony, held at the Speaker Hall Annexe of the Constitution Club, served as a platform for prominent figures from the media industry and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to underscore the critical role of journalism in nation-building and upholding truth in the digital age.
The awards recognised journalistic excellence across a diverse spectrum, from traditional print and television to the burgeoning digital and social media landscapes. Among the 12 distinguished journalists felicitated, Subhi Vishwakarma, Senior Correspondent at Organiser, was awarded for Outstanding Young Journalist, while Smriti Rastogi, Political Editor at Dainik Jagran Digital, received the honor for Outstanding Women-Centric/Feminine Sensibility Journalism. Amit Kumar, Correspondent at Punjab Kesari, was recognized for Innovative Journalism, and Sanjeev Gupta, Principal Correspondent at Dainik Jagran, for Outstanding Rural/Environment Journalism.
In the rapidly evolving realm of digital content, Paramanand Khetan, Editor of NMF News, was named Outstanding Content Creator (YouTube), Dr. Monika Verma, Assistant Professor at NECU, for Outstanding Content Creator (X, formerly Twitter), and Kiran Yadav for Outstanding Content Creator (Instagram). Other notable awardees included Shweta Singh from Republic Shankhnaad for Outstanding Courageous Journalist, Anupam Kumar Singh, Associate Editor at OpIndia, for Outstanding Digital Journalist, and Prof. Niranjan Kumar, Dean Planning at Delhi University, for Outstanding Columnist. The field of traditional media was also celebrated, with Rajesh Kumar Thakur, Senior Associate Editor at The New Indian Express, receiving the award for Outstanding Print Journalist, and Amarendra Gupta, Senior Correspondent at DD News, for Outstanding TV Journalist. Each recipient was presented with a certificate, a memento, a shawl, and a cheque of ₹11,000 as a token of appreciation for their remarkable work.
The selection process for the Devrishi Narad Patrakar Samman 2025 was robust, with the IVSK inviting online entries across all 12 categories. An esteemed jury, tasked with the meticulous review and selection of the honorees, comprised some of the most respected names in Indian media. The jury panel included Ashutosh Jha, National Editor of Dainik Jagran, who served as the Chairman, along with Priya Kumar, Director General of DD News; Naveen Kapoor, National Editor of ANI; Anand Narasimhan, Senior Managing Editor of Network18; Rahul Roushan, CEO of OpIndia; and Harish Chandra Barnwal, a prominent Social Media Influencer and Vice President at Bluecraft.
The event was graced by the presence of key dignitaries, with Pradeep Joshi, Akhil Bharatiya Sah Prachar Pramukh of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), serving as the chief speaker, and Navneet Kumar Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati, as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, Navneet Kumar Sehgal, the Chairman of Prasar Bharati, delivered a crucial message to the journalistic community, urging them to diligently avoid the proliferation of fake news. He emphasized the paramount importance of disseminating accurate, precise, and fact-based information to the public, stressing that such practices are fundamental to maintaining and bolstering societal trust in the media.
In his impactful address, the chief speaker, Pradeep Joshi of the RSS, drew a parallel between contemporary journalists and the lineage of Devrishi Narad, highlighting their shared responsibility as messengers of truth. He asserted that journalists have a pivotal role in promoting the public interest and in disseminating positive and constructive narratives about India’s ongoing journey towards becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’ (global leader) by 2047. Joshi further underscored the media’s indispensable contribution to fostering awareness for nation-building, positioning journalists as true architects of India’s developmental saga and crucial in taking the country’s growth story to the world.
Anil Gupta, Delhi Prant Karyavah of the RSS, also addressed the ceremony, expressing profound pride in honoring journalists during the Sangh’s significant centenary year. He noted that the RSS is set to complete 100 years on October 2, Vijaya Dashami. Gupta further informed the audience about upcoming major events as part of the centenary celebrations in Delhi, including a series of lectures by the revered RSS Sarsanghchalak, Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, scheduled from August 26-28 at Vigyan Bhawan. He also outlined plans for extensive community outreach through a ‘Brihat Griha Sampark’ (Mega Home Contact) initiative and the organization of Hindu Conferences across all localities in Delhi.
Ashutosh Jha, National Editor of Dainik Jagran and the Chairman of the jury, provided insights into the rigorous selection process that led to the final list of awardees for the Devrishi Narad Patrakar Samman 2025, ensuring transparen;cy and credibility in the recognition.
The event saw a significant turnout, with numerous esteemed dignitaries, a large contingent of media personnel, senior journalists, editors, and prominent social media influencers in attendance, reflecting the importance and widespread recognition of the awards. Ritesh Agarwal, Vice President of Indraprastha Vishwa Samvad Kendra, offered an introduction to the organization, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Seema Ojha, bringing the successful ceremony to a close.
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