From Journalists to Influencers: Tehelka Samvad Celebrates New-Age Media Voices in Lucknow
The conclave
was graced by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak as Chief
Guest, alongside Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, Fisheries
Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad, and Vipin Gaur, General Secretary of the Newspaper
Association of India (NAI). Their presence underscored the importance of
synergy between governance and media in strengthening democratic discourse.
A major
highlight of the evening was the felicitation of Vipin Gaur, who was conferred
with the prestigious ‘Tehelka Samman’ for Media Excellence & Leadership.
The award recognised his tireless efforts in promoting press freedom and
empowering small and medium newspapers across the country. Through his
leadership, the Newspaper Association of India has emerged as a strong national
platform advocating ethical journalism and institutional growth.
Adding
intellectual depth to the conclave were eminent media personalities Upendra
Rai, CMD and Editor-in-Chief of Bharat Express, and Yashwant Singh,
Founder-Editor of Bhadas4Media. Upendra Rai emphasised credibility, fearless
journalism, and the responsibility of mainstream media in the digital age,
while Yashwant Singh highlighted the importance of independent media platforms
in ensuring transparency and accountability within the industry. Both were
felicitated for their outstanding contributions to journalism.
The conclave
also honoured several distinguished personalities from diverse fields: Dr.
Binish Thomas, Director, International Council for Journalists, was honoured
for his contribution to global journalism dialogue and received recognition in
the Best Geo-Politics category. Mr. Niraj Sharma, noted social worker,
influencer, and public figure, was awarded for his impactful presence as an
Impact Influencer.
A special
combined session featuring three astrologers highlighted the growing influence
of traditional knowledge systems in modern public discourse.
Among those
recognised in the field of astrology and spiritual guidance: Mrs. Nitisha
Malhotra (Astrologer Nitisha Malhotra) was honoured with the Jyotish Martand
Samman. Ms. Aditi Dua (Tarot by Aditi) received the Stellar Visionary
Influencer award for her work as a tarot card reader. Mrs. Poonam
Choudhary (Poonam Choudhary Official) was conferred the Jyotish Gaurav Samman
for her contribution as a Vedic astrologer.
The event also recognised the growing impact of digital creators and influencers: Several YouTubers and social media influencers were felicitated for shaping public opinion through digital platforms.
Sefali Sharma
(Nazar Battu Productions) received the Best Social Media Platform
award. Mayank Mishra (Nazar Battu Productions) was also honoured with the
Best Social Media Platform award. Mr. Chetan Rawat, influencer, was
recognised for excellence in digital content creation under the Best Social
Media Platform category. In the radio and broadcasting segment, popular
voices were honoured for their audience engagement and content
innovation: RJ Tripti (Red FM) was awarded Best Content Creator. RJ
Sona (Red FM) received the award for Best RJ & Influencer. RJ Prateek
(Red FM) was also honoured as Best RJ & Influencer. Addressing the
gathering, Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay stressed the need for
media–academia collaboration to promote research-based journalism, while
Fisheries Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad highlighted the role of media in
amplifying rural narratives, particularly under the “नीली
क्रांति” (Blue Revolution) initiative.
With
Bhadas4Media as the media partner and Bharat Express as the channel partner,
the conclave successfully brought together traditional media, digital
platforms, and policymakers under one roof. The event not only celebrated
excellence but also reinforced the vital role of responsible journalism and
informed public dialogue in a “लोकतांत्रिक” framework.
At the
heart of the evening remained Vipin Gaur’s inspiring leadership, complemented
by the powerful insights of Upendra Rai and Yashwant Singh, making the conclave
a landmark moment in contemporary media and public discourse.

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