2016 Ramnath Goenka Awards given away: Six Express journalists among winners

Twenty seven journalists, including six from The Indian Express, were awarded their Ramnath Goenka Awards in journalism at the 12th edition of the awards held on Wednesday. Journalists were awarded across 25 categories, including print and broadcast, English and language media.

This year’s winners include The Indian Express’ Ritu Sarin, P Vaidyanathan Iyer and Jay Mazoomdar for investigative reporting in print and NDTV 24X7’s Sreenivasan Jain in the broadcast categories. While Express’s Muzamil Jaleel won the award for political reporting in print, NewsX’s Ashish Singh won it for broadcast. (The full list is given below.)

Addressing the gathering after the awards were given away, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu spoke at length about the state of Indian journalism citing several examples from the Emergency.

Praising the efforts of The Indian Express founder Ramnath Goenka, Naidu said, “Ramnath Goenkaji was an embodiment of character, calibre capacity and conduct. But these days these qualities are being replaced by three Cs — caste, community and cash — by certain sections in public life.”

Speaking at large about the media landscape, Naidu said, “Historically media has been organ of the people against feudal oppression.” However, he added, “Journalism began as a mission. Now, in certain areas, some people are using it for commission.”

Addressing media’s role in a “functional democracy” like India, the vice-president said democracy is not just about numbers but also about understanding each other’s perspective. He added, “Journalism is all about conversation of the people and for the people.” He went on to state, “Opposition must have its say and the government must have its way in a democracy, as they have the numbers.”

Expressing his disappointment at India’s press freedom index, he said, “Regulation is for public good and should not become strangulation. Media’s role should be empowerment of people.” However, in the process truth should not become a casualty, he said, adding, “They [the media] must keep a safe distance from sensationalism, which has become order of the day.”

Describing what he said was the media’s role is and what it should be, Naidu said, “Information with confirmation is more than ammunition.” He added that while journalists have the right to express their views, “news and views should be kept separate”.

The award has a trophy and a cheque of Rs 1 lakh. Constituted as part of the Express Group founder Ramnath Goenka’s centenary celebrations, the awards aim to celebrate excellence in journalism, in part recognising courage and commitment as well as showcasing contributions made to journalism every year, the website states.

The full list of the winners:

Print

1) Reporting From J&K And The Northeast: Abhishek Saha, The Hindustan Times

2) Hindi: Rahul Kotiyal, satyagrah.scroll.in

3) Regional Languages: Reshma Sanjeev Shivadekar, Loksatta

4) Environmental Reporting: Jimmy Philip, Deepika Daily

5) Uncovering India Invisible: S V Rajesh, Malayala Manorama

6) Business & Economic Journalism: Utkarsh Anand, The Indian Express

7) Political Reporting: Muzamil Jaleel, The Indian Express

8) Sports Journalism: Qaiser Mohammad Ali, Outlook

9) On The Spot Reporting: Shubhajit Roy, The Indian Express

10) Investigative Reporting: Ritu Sarin, PV Iyer & Jay Mazoomdar, The Indian Express

11) Feature Writing: Sangita Barooah Pisharoty, The Wire

12) Foreign Correspondent Covering India: Ellen Barry, The New York Times

13) Commentary And Interpretative Writing: Tamal Bandyopadhyay, Mint

14) Civic Journalism: Chaitanya Marpakwar, Mumbai Mirror

15) Photo Journalism: Waseem Andrabi, The Hindustan Times

Broadcast

1) Reporting From J&K And The Northeast: Moumita Sen, India Today

2) Hindi: Ravish Kumar, NDTV India

3) Regional Languages: Dinesh Akula, TV5 News

4) Environmental Reporting: NO WINNER

5) Uncovering India Invisible: Manogya Loiwal, TV Today

6) Business & Economic Journalism: Harshada Sawant, CNBC Awaaz

7) Political Reporting: Ashish Singh, NewsX

8) Sports Journalism: Bipasha Mukherjea, TV Today

9) On The Spot Reporting: Ashish Sinha, India News

10) Investigative Reporting: Sreenivasan Jain, NDTV 24×7