The Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards

About the Awards

As part of centenary year celebrations of its founder, Ramnath Goenka, Indian Express Group instituted the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards. The Awards aim to celebrate excellence in journalism, recognize courage and commitment and showcase outstanding contributions and individuals every year. The most prestigious annual event in the Indian media calendar, pays tribute to journalists from Print/Digital & Broadcast who maintain the highest standards of their profession despite being in the face of political and economic pressures, who still manage to produce work that generates and sustains public trust in the media and impact the lives of people.

The design of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards trophy dedicated to the winners. The nib and flame, stands for journalism of courage and integrity, the values advocated by Ramnath Goenka, founder of The Indian Express Group.

Award Categories

This award will go to a journalist each from print/ digital & broadcast media in Hindi, whose coverage of an event or issue stood out for excellence, independence, depth, quality and impact.

This award will be given to the author of an article or a series in any newspaper, magazine or television for exceptional contribution to public awareness & promoting understanding of environmental issues/science and technology.

The award will go to a journalist who shows the highest standards of independence, rigour, depth & analysis while covering any aspect of business or economy.

This award will go to a journalist each in print/ digital & broadcast media, whose coverage explores new avenues & finds a new direction in reporting sports.

This award will be given to the author of an article or series in any newspaper, magazine on arts, culture and entertainment whose coverage explores new avenues & finds a new direction in the field.

This award will go to a writer/writers whose published work, through in-depth research & investigation, covers an issue/idea on a scale that newspapers or television channels, with their space & time limitations, cannot aspire to tackle. This award will be for books published in English.

This award will honour a photo journalist for news photograph that captures, in a frame, the drama of an entire story.



This award will go to a journalist each from print/ digital & broadcast media in a regional language, whose coverage of an event or issue stood out for excellence, quality, independence, depth and impact.

The award will honour substantive print or television reporting that covers rural issues intelligently. It may be awarded for explanatory or expository journalism & will be judged on general excellence, quality of writing, forcefulness & importance to public interest.

This award will go to a journalist each in print/ digital & broadcast media, whose coverage helps develop a unique understanding of politics & the political process.

This award will go to a journalist from print/ digital & broadcast category, whose report investigates an issue of public interest to reveal an aspect/element that has not yet been covered/ explored in the media. The report/ reports should be a substantive piece of work that is original, forceful and has made an impact.

This award will go to a foreign correspondent in print media for coverage that portrays India to a foreign audience most accurately & sensitively.

This award, instituted in memory of The Indian Express’s former Resident Editor in Pune, Prakash Kardaley, will honour a print journalist whose sustained effort highlights a civic issue and forces the authorities to find a solution for it. The award aims to recognise pro-active local reporting that makes a difference in the lives of citizens.

Criteria

The criteria for awards in Print/Digital & Broadcast journalism are significance of a news story, resourcefulness & courage in gathering information, & skill in relating the story apart from:

  • Degree of difficulty/ logistical challenges experienced
  • Comprehensiveness of the report
  • Resources available and means used for gathering information.

Journalists working for any Indian newspapers/ magazines/ online / TV channels (published/telecast in the country) are eligible to apply. Indian language papers should send in their stories along with translations in English. All foreign correspondents can also apply. If the story is in a language other than English the translations should be sent along with the stories.

Process

Process

Jury

B N Srikrishna

Justice B N Srikrishna

Rose Maria

Prof. C. Raj Kumar

K G Suresh

Prof K G Suresh

Rohini Nilekani

Rohini Nilekani

Dr SY Quraishi

Dr SY Quraishi

Past Awards

Event Partners

Presenting Partner

TVS

TVS Motor Company (TVSM) (BSE: 532343 and NSE: TVSMOTOR) is the world’s fourth largest automaker in the two and three-wheeler segment. TVSM focuses on transforming quality of life through mobility solutions that are exciting, responsible, sustainable and safe. TVS Motor Company takes pride in making internationally aspirational products of the highest quality through innovative and sustainable processes.

Headquartered in Chennai, the Company is known for its high quality and high-value-for-money products. It has a presence in all segments of the two-wheeler industry. More than 50 million customers ride a TVS Motor vehicle in the world today. The Company has shaped the growth of the two-wheeler industry with many firsts to its credit, all of which have contributed to a highly profitable growth trajectory. TVS Motor’s strength lies in its extensive research and development, resulting in products that are industry leading in terms of innovation. TVS Motor delivers total customer satisfaction by anticipating customer need and presenting quality vehicles at the right time and at the right price.

Srinivasan Services Trust (SST), the social arm of TVS Motor carries out numerous sustainable initiatives with communities and governments to empower India’s rural poor through awareness, skills and training programmes. SST’s holistic approach focuses on critical areas of Economic Development, Health, Education, Infrastructure, Environment and Social and Cultural Development in the villages.

Strong fundamentals have helped TVS Motor consistently grow ahead of the industry. The Company is foremost committed to its core ethos of Trust, Value and Service. It has been practising good governance over the years and emphasises transparency, accountability and integrity.

TVS Motor has a strong nationwide distribution network of over 3,500 certified touch-points, including dealers and Authorised Service Centres and continuously seeks to increase its reach. The Company boasts a rich talent pool of more than 5,000 personnel who work out of four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities at Hosur in Tamil Nadu, Mysore in Karnataka, Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh, and Karawang in Indonesia.

TVS Motor’s group company Norton Motorcycles, based in the United Kingdom, is one of the most emotive motorcycle brands in the world. TVS Motor’s subsidiaries in the personal e-mobility space, Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) and EGO Movement, have a leading position in the e-bike market in Switzerland.

The undeterred focus on excellence and quality has borne rich dividends for TVS Motor Company. In its four-decade-long journey, the brand has won many accolades along the way. The Company is the first two-wheeler manufacturer to be conferred with the prestigious Deming Prize for excellence in quality. The company’s various products have led in their respective categories in the J.D. Power IQS and APEAL surveys for five years. For four consecutive years, it was ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power Customer Service Satisfaction Survey.

For more information: www.tvsmotor.com

Associate Partners

NTPC LOGO

NTPC Limited, India's largest integrated energy company, has been a cornerstone of the nation's economic growth since its establishment in 1975. With an installed capacity of over 77 GW, NTPC generates approximately 25% of India's total electricity, powering every fourth bulb in the country. The company focuses on delivering power that is economical, efficient and environmentally sustainable, offering a diversified energy mix that includes solar, wind, hydro, floating solar, gas, and coal.

NTPC is leading India’s energy transition with a target to increase non-fossil fuel-based capacity to 45-50% of its total portfolio by 2032, including 60 GW of renewable energy. Its efforts in renewable energy are evident with over 4 GW of operational renewable capacity and 20 GW in the pipeline.

The company has also pioneered green hydrogen initiatives, including the green hydrogen-PNG blending project at Kawas and a hydrogen fuel cell EV trial in Ladakh. Furthermore, NTPC is investing in carbon capture, green ammonia and pumped storage projects to reduce its carbon footprint. Globally, NTPC has expanded its presence with power projects in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and advises several countries through the International Solar Alliance. Recognized for its excellence, NTPC ranks among the top Indian PSUs and global energy companies, continuing its commitment to national development, sustainability and social responsibility.  



DELHI TOURISM LOGO

Delhi, a city rich in history, culture, and modern vibrance, offers a diverse range of attractions, from architectural marvels to exquisite cuisines. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) plays a pivotal role in promoting tourism through cultural hubs like Dilli Haat, sightseeing tours, and various events. It manages key landmarks such as the Garden of Five Senses, the Kalam Memorial, and the Guru Tegh Bahadur Memorial.

Delhi Tourism has introduced the Delhi Film Policy 2022 and provides a single-window clearance system for film shootings in the city. From heritage and haunted walks to curated travel packages, DTTDC enhances the tourism experience. The Dekho Meri Dilli app further simplifies exploration, making Delhi an unmissable destination for travelers worldwide.  



Uttrakhand LOGO

Uttarakhand's Triumph in the National Games: A Testament to Honor, Pride, and Valor
Victory on and off the Field, Uttarakhand Makes Its Mark A century of medals or the count of gold-everything is extraordinary. A small state took on a big responsibility and executed it flawlessly. Dehradun, February 14-Recall the opening lines of the anthem of the 38th National Games: Aan, Baan, Shaan le / Shaurya ka pramaan le (Honor, Pride, Glory / A Testament to Valor). Uttarakhand has indeed proven its honour, pride, and valor in the National Games. On the field, the athletes delivered exceptional performances, while off the field, the organizing team remained steadfast in ensuring the event's success. The arrangements were top-notch, and several innovative initiatives captured the nation's attention. In every aspect, Uttarakhand has firmly established itself in the sporting world.

Embracing the "Green Games" initiative, the event set new sustainability standards. Medals were crafted from recycled e-waste, venues ran on solar power, and eco-friendly transport reduced emissions. A strict ban on single-use plastics ensured a cleaner, greener tournament. More than a sporting spectacle, the 38th National Games championed a future where victory shines in medals and sustainability

NATIONAL GAMES OF INDIA: A Glorious Legacy of Sporting Excellence
From its inception in 1924 as the Indian Olympic Games to its post-independence transformation in 1948, the National Games of India stand as a radiant symbol of India's sporting spirit and resilience. A grand stage where dreams take flight, it has paved the way for countless athletes to ascend to Olympic & International glory.

Held every 2-4 years, weaving through the diverse landscapes of India, it not only nurtures exceptional talent but also breathes life into the country’s sporting infrastructure, fostering a legacy of unity, passion, and unwavering pursuit of  



Gateway Distriparks

Gateway Distriparks Ltd. (GDL), established in 1994, is a prominent Indian logistics company specializing in container-based multimodal transport solutions for exporters and importers. The company operates a comprehensive network of 10 Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Container Freight Stations (CFSs) strategically located across India. To support its operations, GDL maintains a robust fleet comprising 34 train sets and over 550+ road trailers. Serving diverse sectors such as automotive, paper, metals, polymers, FMCG, retail, chemicals, white goods, textiles and many more industries, GDL offers integrated logistics solutions designed to streamline complex supply chains efficiently and cost-effectively. The company’s subsidiary, Snowman Logistics Ltd., enhances GDL’s service portfolio by providing temperature-controlled storage and distribution solutions operating 45 temperature-controlled warehouses across 20 cities, and a fleet of 500+ refrigerated vehicles, ensuring reliable cold-chain logistics.  



GMDC

Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. (GMDC) is a state-owned enterprise and one of India’s leading mining companies. Established in 1963, GMDC primarily focuses on lignite (brown coal) mining and has expanded into coal, bauxite, fluorspar, and silica sand. It plays a key role in supplying raw materials to power, cement, and chemical industries.

Beyond mining, GMDC is exploring clean energy initiatives, including blue hydrogen production, aligning with India’s sustainability goals. The company also operates thermal and wind power projects, reinforcing its commitment to energy diversification. With a strong financial base and sustainable mining practices, GMDC continues to drive Gujarat’s industrial growth.  



PLUTUS IAS

PlutusIAS from the house of Argasia Education Pvt Ltd is one of the best IAS coaching in India. With a commitment towards quality education through online and classroom mode under a Hybrid environment We teach more than 3000 students every year. Qualified teachers Like Dr. Huma Hassan, gold medalist, Dr. Hardeep Singh Retd IAS and Pradeep Kumar from IIT with diverse backgrounds from educational institutes like JNU, DU, IIT, etc are strengths of PlutusIAS. Serving bureaucrats and retired IAS officers keep guiding students in their preparation. PlutusIAS under guidance. PlutusIAS makes students ready for different stages of exams like Prelims, Mains, and Interview and also takes help in assisting students from mentorship platforms like PlutusLaw for Judicial services exam and Thehinduzone for career guidance.

Since its inception, PlutusIAS has helped many students pass through their career journey. These days, PlutusIAS books on different subjects of UPSC exams are also helping many students in their preparation journey.  



MP logo

Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is scripting a new chapter of prosperity, development, and progress. In alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, the Madhya Pradesh government has set forth its ambitious Viksit Madhya Pradesh 2047 vision. This commitment is clearly reflected in the state’s budget for the year 2025-26. The total allocation for the current year stands at ₹4,21,032 crore, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is transforming Prime Minister Modi’s GYAN vision into a mission, ensuring inclusive growth by prioritizing the welfare of the Gareeb (poor), Yuva (youth), Annadata (farmers), and Naari (women). The Madhya Pradesh government is committed to increasing capital investment, expanding road, irrigation, and electricity infrastructure, enhancing quality healthcare services, and attracting investments to generate employment opportunities.

Madhya Pradesh is making remarkable strides in governance and development—whether through initiatives like the Regional Industry Conclave, the implementation of Cyber Tehsil for good governance, or the launch of the PM Shri Air Ambulance in the healthcare sector. The government is also taking significant steps in cow protection and cultural preservation, along with strengthening wildlife and environmental conservation efforts.

With a clear vision and unwavering commitment, Madhya Pradesh is accelerating its journey toward becoming a model state of Viksit Bharat!



JAGRAN LAKECITY UNIVERSITY

Empowering Minds, Transforming Futures: Jagran Lakecity University (JLU) Bhopal
A beacon of academic excellence, JLU Bhopal fosters innovation and practical application. With 2500+ students from 8 countries and 27 Indian states, we offer 50+ degree programs. Strategic partnerships with leading industries and international institutions provide unparalleled global exposure. We're the exclusive Central Indian representative in the ERASMUS+ programme and country chair for the Association of Universities of Asia Pacific (AUAP). Awarded the prestigious ‘DIAMOND’ rating by QS I-Gauge, JLU Bhopal is a hub for academic distinction, innovation, and transformation, shaping the next generation of leaders.  



 PORTRONICS

Portronics, India’s most loved gadget brand is known for its innovative tech gadgets and digital solutions. Established with a mission to provide innovative and portable technology at affordable prices, Portronics offers a wide range of products including Portable & Party Speakers, Power Banks, TWS, PC and Mobile Accessories, Digital Accessories, and is making their entrance in the Hair Care and Smart Gadgets with recent launches. Committed to offering solutions that enhance the lifestyle of individuals while ensuring reliability and performance. With a strong presence in both the online and offline markets, Portronics has become a trusted name in the tech industry, catering to a diverse customer base. The brand focuses on continuous innovation, incorporating the latest technological advancements into their products, all while maintaining user-centric designs. Portronics strives to bring convenience, connectivity, and enhanced experiences to its customers, making it a preferred choice for tech enthusiasts across India.  



Education Partner

SHARDA UNIVERSITY LOGO

Sharda University is India’s truly global university, recently ranked among the top 4% of South Asian universities by QS Asia University Rankings 2024. It has been ranked 59th in India by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 and 4th in Business & Management by the Times B.School Rankings 2025. Accredited A+ by NAAC and ranked 86 in India by NIRF, Sharda offers 135+ UGC-recognized Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs across diverse disciplines. With students from 95+ countries, the university fosters a vibrant, multicultural learning environment.

A hub for research and innovation, Sharda has published 743 patents and supported 100+ startups, shaping future leaders and entrepreneurs. Part of the Sharda Group, a multi-million-dollar conglomerate, Sharda University has expanded its global footprint with a thriving overseas campus in Andijan, Uzbekistan, serving as a gateway for students from Eurasia.

Furthering its commitment to excellence, Sharda Group recently launched Sharda Care Healthcity, a 600-bed super-speciality hospital dedicated to futuristic healthcare. The facility was inaugurated by Yogi Adityanath Ji, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.