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Celebrating Excellence

Award Winners 2026

Honouring the independent voices, platforms, and storytellers who have shaped the digital discourse with courage and clarity.

The Honours

Award Categories

Six categories recognising excellence across the full spectrum of digital media — from meaningful journalism and fearless photojournalism to lifetime contributions and jury-curated honours.

01

The Jagdeep Chhokar Award for Meaningful Journalism

The Legacy

Named after Professor Jagdeep S. Chhokar, a respected academic and advocate for transparency in public life. Through his work with the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), he helped strengthen citizens' right to information and promote accountability in governance.

The Award Honours

Journalism that informs the public, asks important questions, and serves the public interest.

02

The Danish Siddiqui Award for Photojournalism

The Legacy

Named in honour of the Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist whose iconic work captured global crises, conflicts, and human resilience with deep empathy and bravery.

The Award Honours

Fearless visual storytelling and dedicated photojournalism that uncovers difficult truths directly from the front lines.

03

The Mahatma Gandhi International Award for Lifetime Achievement in Media

The Legacy

Named in honour of the global icon of non-violent resistance whose philosophy of truth (Satyagraha) transformed social and political movements worldwide.

The Award Honours

Exceptional careers in media that have made a lasting impact on society and public communication.

04

The Harshvardhan Award for Digital Media Influence

The Legacy

Named in honour of the veteran parliamentarian and social worker from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Sh. Harshvardhan fought fiercely for public truth, transparency, and social justice.

The Award Honours

Digital creators and platforms that use their reach to champion public transparency, maintain high integrity, and amplify rural and marginalised voices.

05

The Public India Jury Special Mention Award

The Legacy

Backed by our independent panel of experts, bringing together decades of frontline newsroom leadership, academic research, and media ethics.

The Award Honours

Exceptional submissions curated directly by the jury panel. It chooses to honour people who demonstrate unique merit, distinct perspectives, or creative excellence in media.

06

The Public India Jury Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism

The Legacy

Backed by our independent panel, representing the highest standards of editorial governance, academic rigour, and ethical media leadership.

The Award Honours

Careers of profound editorial service, unwavering ethical leadership, and a lasting impact on Indian journalism.

Special Distinctions

Beyond Categories

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Lifetime Achievement

Recognising sustained, long-term contribution to journalism and public discourse. Reserved for individuals whose life's work has fundamentally shaped the integrity of the Indian media landscape.

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Special Recognition

Acknowledging extraordinary contributions with broader societal impact, including international work, systemic innovation in distribution, and significant public-interest influence.

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