Padma Bhushan Conferred on Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA

On June 18, 2025, eminent journalist and cultural intellectual Shri Ram Bahadur Rai was formally presented the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The special presentation took place at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) office in Delhi, as Shri Rai was unable to attend the main ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The award ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent dignitaries and intellectuals who paid heartfelt tributes to his lifelong contributions to journalism, public discourse, and cultural thought.

Why in News?

Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, a towering figure in Indian journalism and the President of IGNCA Trust, has been awarded the Padma Bhushan for his distinguished service in literature and education (journalism). The Ministry of Home Affairs held a separate felicitation to ensure he was honored for his achievements, which span over four decades and deeply influenced India’s media, politics, and intellectual circles.

Key Highlights of the Ceremony

• Date: 18th June 2025
• Location: IGNCA Office, Delhi
• Presented by: Shri Satpal Chauhan, Director General, Ministry of Home Affairs
• Award: Padma Bhushan (includes citation and medal signed by the President of India)
• Reason for Special Ceremony: Shri Rai could not attend the official Padma Awards ceremony

Notable Attendees

• Shri Najeeb Jung – Former Lieutenant Governor of Delhi
• Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur – Dean, IGNCA
• Shri Hemant Sharma – Senior journalist
• Shri Santosh Bhartiya – Former editor, Chouthi Duniya
• Shri Manmohan Singh Chawla – Trustee, SGT University
• Senior journalists, academicians, and public intellectuals

Statements Made

• Najeeb Jung called Shri Rai a continued source of inspiration.
• Santosh Bhartiya suggested writing a biography to inspire youth.
• Hemant Sharma stated that honouring Shri Rai elevates the award itself.
• Prof. Gaur emphasized Shri Rai’s role as a mentor, not just an administrator.

Profile of Shri Ram Bahadur Rai

Background & Achievements

• President of IGNCA Trust and Chancellor of SGT University, Gurugram
• Over 40 years in journalism and active in student movements for 15 years before that

Formerly associated with,

• Hindusthan Samachar (Group Editor)
• Jansatta, Navbharat Times, Pratham Pravakta, Yathavat
• Participated in JP Movement, jailed during Emergency under MISA
• Holds M.A. in Economics from Banaras Hindu University

Publications & Editorial Contributions

• Biographies: Manzil Se Zyada Safar (V. P. Singh), Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta (Acharya Kripalani)
• Political Analysis: Rahbari ke Sawal
• On Journalism: Kali Khabron ki Kahani
• Essays in Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Samagra and others

Awards and Honours

• Padma Shri – 2015
• Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Samman – 2013
• Madhavrao Sapre Award, Hindi Ratna Samman, and others spanning 1990–2020

Significance of the Honour

• Reinforces the government’s recognition of independent and impactful journalism.
• Highlights the cultural and ideological role of journalism in preserving democratic values.
• Inspires younger generations to pursue journalism with dedication, depth, and integrity.
• Marks a formal acknowledgment of Rai’s contributions to media ethics, nationalism, and intellectual activism.