12th “Kalam Ke Sipahi Awards’ celebrated with Eminent Personalities and Media Icons
New Delhi, 24th September 2025:
The 12th Kalam Ke Sipahi Awards, organized by the Newspaper Association of India under the leadership of Dr. Vipin Gaur (General Secretary, NAI), was held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, with grandeur and enthusiasm.
The ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Trivendra Singh Rawat, Member of Parliament & Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, along with Guest of Honour Tirath Singh Rawat, Former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand & Former MP, and H.E. Dr. Abdenor Khelifi, Ambassador of Algeria.
In his address, Trivendra Singh Rawat said that the level of journalism in the country is very high today, as both politicians and actors need the media. He highlighted that media plays a crucial role in everything from forming a government to its functioning. However, he cautioned that sometimes a section of media distorts news, causing great harm. He emphasized that India is the only country where people still have complete faith in journalism, and urged the younger generation to thoroughly research before publishing or broadcasting news.
Guest of Honour Tirath Singh Rawat remarked that digital media is shaping a new identity across the world. He noted that while news now reaches us within seconds, and mobile phones have given new freedom, their misuse has also grown. He advised budding journalists to decide whether they will use their intellect or remain dependent on mobile phones, adding that opportunities in life come rarely and must be seized.
Dr. Vipin Gaur, General Secretary of NAI, expressed pride that the Newspaper Association of India is celebrating its 33rd Foundation Day this year. He stated that the organization has continuously worked to give journalism a new direction and connect media students with ethical journalism. Congratulating the awardees, he said, “Media is the mirror of society, and it is this mirror that brings about real change.”
The awards recognized outstanding contributions in journalism, media, literature, education, and social service. This year’s distinguished awardees included:
Sumit Chaudhary (Aaj Tak, Sr. Anchor & News Editor)
Sanjay Singh (Sr. Journalist & Writer)
Krishan Dhamija (Punjab Kesari, Bureau Chief)
Jaiprakash Sharma (Zee Media, Anchor & Special Correspondent)
Mayur Shukla (Zee Media, Sr. Correspondent)
Sabi Hussain (Times of India, Assistant Editor)
Naveen Lal Suri (India Today Group, Journalist)
Amrita Garg (News Nation, Anchor)
Nilima Priyadarsini (Argus News, Sr. Anchor & Bulletin Producer)
Deepti Mishra (Jagran New Media, Deputy News Editor)
Pankaj Giri (Zee Media, Producer)
Pravin Mahore (Darara Lokshaicha, Editor)
Prof. (Dr.) Ritu Sood (Dean, SSMFE, Sharda University)
Harish Sharma (Digital Kalakar)
Sumit Kumar (Freelance Journalist & Poet)
Shubham Badhani (Founder, Ghoda Library)
RJ Tripti (Influencer)
RJ Hari (Radio City, Radio Jockey)
RJ Atishay (Ishq FM, Radio Jockey)
Rajesh Sharma (Hamro Prajashakri, Reporter)
Karan Singh (Assistant Professor, K.R. Mangalam University)
Aviral Mishra (IT & Social Media Expert)
Sazina Khan (State Support Mission, NITI Aayog)
The Vice President of the organization Om Prakash Sharma delivered the vote of thanks, while the office bearers of NAI — Vivek Sharma, Mitanshu Agarwal, Pushkar Negi, and Rahul Gupta — efficiently conducted and managed the program.
