President of India, Droupadi Murmu, presented the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards 2023 in New Delhi on Wednesday, honouring journalists for their exceptional work across various categories.
The awards, regarded as one of the most prestigious honours in Indian journalism, recognised 20 outstanding contributions in print, digital, and broadcast media, covering subjects such as investigative reporting, politics, sports, and regional issues.
The winning stories reflected the depth and courage of journalism in the country. Among them was a ground report from Israel and the West Bank, capturing the impact of war on civilians.
Another investigative piece uncovered serious irregularities in medical colleges across Madhya Pradesh, where exams had not been conducted for years. Reports exposing the lack of basic civic amenities in an award-winning athlete’s village and the struggle of champion wrestlers for justice were also recognised.
The awards, instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, celebrate journalists who have demonstrated integrity and excellence in their work, often overcoming significant challenges.
The 19th edition of the awards was judged by a distinguished jury, including Justice B. N. Srikrishna, former Supreme Court judge; Professor C. Raj Kumar, founding Vice-Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University; Professor K. G. Suresh, former Vice-Chancellor of Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism & Communication; Rohini Nilekani, Chairperson of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies; and Dr S. Y. Quraishi, former Chief Election Commissioner.
Dr Quraishi noted that selecting the best stories was a difficult task, as the jury aimed to evaluate a diverse range of stories from different regions and languages. He encouraged young journalists to follow the awards to understand what defines exceptional storytelling.
Professor Suresh highlighted the resilience of journalism, stating, "There is a perception that journalism is in decline, but these awards prove that it remains vibrant and essential. I have been on the jury for several years, and it is encouraging to see an increasing number of stories from regional media outlets."
He also praised the dedication of young journalists, saying, "Their rigour is admirable. These stories require in-depth field reporting, often involving personal risk. They expose corruption, challenge powerful interests, and bring critical issues to light—that is the true essence of journalism."
Despite the challenges faced by journalists today, Suresh expressed optimism about the future of the profession. He suggested that the award-winning stories should be included in journalism school curricula to inspire students and emphasise the importance of ground reporting.
Rohini Nilekani, reflecting on her experience as a jury member, described it as an eye-opening process. She noted that, despite regularly following the news, many of the nominated stories introduced her to new perspectives and realities.
"Some were heartbreaking, such as the reports on Manipur, while others were uplifting, like the stories of elderly women returning to school. Above all, these awards reaffirm that good journalism continues to thrive in India despite numerous challenges," she said.
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