20th Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards: Celebrating Fearless Reporting

The 20th edition of the Ramnath Goenka (RNG) Excellence in Journalism Awards was held in New Delhi on March 28, 2026, recognizing outstanding journalistic contributions made during the year 2024. Instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, the awards remain one of India’s most prestigious honors, celebrating the spirit of “journalism of courage.”

Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, joined by Viveck Goenka, Chairman of the Indian Express Group, and Raj Kamal Jha, Chief Editor of The Indian Express.

A Tribute to Democratic Values

During his keynote address, Vice President Radhakrishnan emphasized that a vibrant democracy thrives on “discussion, debate, and even dissent.” He noted that the exchange of differing viewpoints is essential for refined policymaking and national interest.

The Vice President also paid homage to the legacy of Ramnath Goenka, recalling the iconic blank editorial published by The Indian Express during the Emergency as a permanent symbol of journalistic defiance and integrity.

Ramnath Goenka Sahithya Samman Award Winners for 2024

The 20th edition honored 24 journalists across 19 diverse categories, covering print, digital, and broadcast platforms. The winners were selected by an eminent jury including Justice B.N. Srikrishna, Rohini Nilekani, Dr. S.Y. Quraishi, C. Raj Kumar, and K.G. Suresh.

Defining Excellence in the Digital Age

The ceremony highlighted the evolving landscape of news. Viveck Goenka remarked on the necessity for modern journalists to be “multi-format,” staying deeply connected to audiences across various digital platforms and languages without losing the core values of the craft.

Raj Kamal Jha, Chief Editor of The Indian Express, reiterated that the mission of journalism remains steadfast: to tell stories that those in power would prefer to keep hidden. He asserted that true credibility is not granted by external validation but is earned through the consistent trust of the readers.

The 20th RNG Awards serves as a reminder that despite technological shifts, investigative depth, regional insight, and the courage to question remain the bedrock of impactful journalism.