Dr Darda never mixed personal opinions in his writings: Shelar

 Media Coverage  |  17-03-2025

Kakasaheb Purandare award conferred on Dr Vijay Darda

Mumbai

Maharashtra minister for cultural affairs, Adv Ashish Shelar on Sunday, lauded the commitment of chairman of editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha, Dr Vijay Darda for never allowing his personal opinions or any prejudices to be reflected in his writings. “He has always upheld journalistic ethics without thinking about profit or loss,” Shelar said.

He was speaking at the Late Kakasaheb Purandare award ceremony here.

The senior editor Late Kakasaheb Purandare award is given to journalists who make significant contributions to journalism and in raising social awareness. Jointly instituted by the Late Kakasaheb Purandare Foundation and the Acharya Atre Committee, Mumbai, the award was presented to Dr Darda by Shelar at a glittering function.

Shelar recalled that Dr Darda’s article analysing the Ram Mandir verdict was insightful and remained unbiased despite his association with the Congress ideology. He also emphasised that Kakasaheb Purandare, a disciple of Acharya Atre, had passionately advocated the cause of workers, farmers, and labourers. He said, Dr Darda was the perfect choice for this prestigious award.

The event was graced by veteran litterateur figure Ramdas Phutane, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, chairperson of the Kakasaheb Purandare Foundation and Acharya Atre Committee Adv Arati Purandare Sadvarte, former MLA Kanta Nalawade, Prof Visubhau Bapat, Prof Uma Bapat, trustee Vijay Kadam, Ravindra Awati, Adv Bina Pai, and other distinguished guests.

Ramdas Phutane noted that Dr Darda’s selection is significant not just as the head of the Lokmat Media Group but as a socially responsible senior journalist. Phutane also presented a poetic rendition with satirical political commentary. Nandgaonkar expressed joy over the recognition of outstanding journalists who have excelled in their profession.

Shibani Joshi conducted the programme.

Journalism a supreme duty, says Dr Darda

While accepting the award, Dr Darda said: “The rise of Lokmat Media Group to its current stature is due to the vision of veteran freedom fighter and its founder editor Jawaharlal Darda alias Babuji. He instilled in us a deep commitment to journalism. He taught us that journalism should serve the people in their times of need. Guided by his principle of ‘Journalism as the supreme duty’, Lokmat has remained steadfast in its mission. Because of this philosophy, Lokmat, which began in a single district, has now become the number one newspaper of the country.” He further said, “This award is not just my honour but a recognition of the entire field of journalism. Our third generation is actively involved in journalism and will always stand with the common people.”

Maharashtra minister for cultural affairs Ashish Shelar presenting the senior editor Late Kakasaheb Purandare Award to chairman of the editorial board of Lokmat Media Group and former member of Rajya Sabha Dr Vijay Darda, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism. Also seen are Ravindra Awati, MNS leader Bala Nandgaonkar, veteran litterateur Ramdas Phutane, former MLA Kanta Nalawade, and other distinguished dignitaries. – Sushil Kadam

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