The Nai Duniya Foundation honoured journalists, authors, writers, and filmmakers at the Media for Unity Awards 2026, held at the India International Centre on Saturday evening. The event recognised individuals who showed courage in “speaking truth to power” during what speakers described as a difficult period for Indian media and democracy.
Senior journalist Rajdeep Sardesai reflected on the role of journalism in what he called a period of “darkness.” He said even small efforts, “a spark or a candle”, help keep truth alive. Recalling his early career, he spoke about the discipline he learned from R. K. Laxman. He said Laxman’s focus on constant improvement shaped his approach.
Sardesai noted that many political realities remain unchanged. He referred to Laxman’s cartoons, which still connect with audiences today. With over three decades in journalism, he expressed concern that some voices now weaken public discourse. Responding to criticism around “Godi media,” he said perseverance and belief in change remain important.
He also spoke about India’s resilience. He said no authority is permanent. Sharing an example of a working woman named Elizabeth from Kerala, he highlighted the role of ordinary citizens in sustaining the nation. He urged young journalists to continue pursuing truth.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor stressed the role of media in protecting democracy and unity. He described the present as a time of high connectivity and deep division. He said media acts as the “soul of democracy.”
Tharoor spoke about the trust once placed in journalism. He said this trust now faces strain. He warned against sensational debates on television and social media, where discussions turn confrontational instead of informative. He said such trends reduce complex issues into simple binaries and weaken public trust.
Using his “thali” metaphor, he highlighted India’s plural identity. He said media must represent all voices fairly. He stressed that a free press holds power accountable. He urged journalists to inform without inflaming and to promote unity.
Justice Hrishikesh Roy, the chief guest, said the remarks of awardees held strong emotional value. He said such voices remain important today. He praised the Nai Duniya Foundation and acknowledged the efforts of Shahid Siddiqui, Zubair, and Atul Tiwari in organising the event.
Justice Roy also commended the jury led by S. Y. Quraishi. He said the selection process reflected careful thought. He urged attendees to remain hopeful.
Former Chief Election Commissioner S. Y. Quraishi spoke about his long association with media. He expressed concern about its current state, pointing to India’s low ranking in press freedom indices. He said media often fails to question those in power and focuses more on the opposition.
Quraishi described a shift from the “fourth estate” to a “fifth column.” He still expressed hope in journalists who uphold democratic values and in citizens who defend secularism and pluralism. He thanked the organisers and praised the jury’s work.
Senior journalist Neerja Chowdhury, who received the lifetime achievement award, spoke about her early career and the influence of Prabha Dutt. She recalled Dutt’s reporting on the 1978 Sanjay and Geeta Chopra case, war coverage, and her Supreme Court petition on press freedom.
Chowdhury said journalists now face complex challenges in a polarised society shaped by religious, regional, and political divides. She stressed that media must hold power accountable and reflect diverse views. She highlighted the role of dissent in progress and reaffirmed her commitment to journalism.
Senior journalist Saurabh Shukla spoke about the challenges faced by independent reporters. He referred to arrests, legal pressure, and delays in justice. He said many journalists struggle to secure bail due to financial limits. He called for fast track tribunals.
Shukla also raised concerns about social media trials, surveillance, and professional blacklisting. He said these factors complicate journalistic work. Reflecting on his exit from NDTV, he stressed the need for independence. He also pointed to bias, stating that Muslim journalists face higher scrutiny.
Despite these issues, Shukla reaffirmed his commitment to ground reporting and highlighting marginalised voices.
The event closed with a shared sense of concern and hope. Speakers stressed the need for independent journalism to strengthen democracy and unity in India.
Awardees included Ziya Us Salam, Fazil Hussain Parvez, Prof. Purushottam Agarwal, Vivek Shukla, Neerja Chowdhury, Manjul, Sudhir Mishra, Sandeep Chaudhary, Arvind Gaur, Rani Khanam, Saurabh Shukla, and Dr. Waiel Awaad.
Key awards included the Kuldip Nayyar Award for English journalism to Ziya Us Salam, the Khushwant Singh Award to Prof. Purushottam Agarwal, the Prabha Dutt Lifetime Achievement Award to Neerja Chowdhury, and the Vinod Dua Digital Media Award to Saurabh Shukla, among others.
By Naushad Khan
