Padma Bhushan Awarded to Veteran Journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA Ceremony.
Awards
In June 2025, veteran journalist Ram Bahadur Rai—President of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)—was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, recognising his distinguished contributions to journalism, literature, and education.
- During a felicitation ceremony at IGNCA, Member Secretary Dr Sachchidanand Joshi announced that President of IGNCA, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, received the Padma Bhushan. The event highlighted Rai’s exceptional association with the institute and was attended by trustees, scholars, and fellow awardees.
- Born in 1946 in Sonari, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh, Ram Bahadur Rai began with Hindustan Samachar before becoming Bureau Chief and News Editor at Jansatta. He also served as Special Correspondent for Navbharat Times, covering major events like the Bangladesh Liberation War with field reports.
- Ram Bahadur Rai authored influential biographies—including Manjil se Jyada Safar (VP Singh), Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta (Acharya JB Kripalani), Rahvari ke Sawal (Chandrashekhar)—and scholarly works on the Constitution and socialism. As a student leader, he joined the JP Movement and was among the first jailed under MISA during the Emergency.
Main Point :- (i) Since 2015, Rai has been President of the IGNCA Board, promoting arts, cultural heritage, and interdisciplinary dialogue. He also serves as Chancellor of SGT University, educating future leaders and endorsing academic conferences addressing national educational reforms.
(ii) Prior to the Padma Bhushan, Ram Bahadur Rai was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2015 for journalism and literature. He also earned journalism awards like Madhavrao Sapre, Manikchandra Vajpayi, Bhagwandas, and Satyagrahi Samman, confirming his influence and longevity in the field.
(iii) The Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, recognises distinguished service in any field. Rai’s recognition in literature and education–journalism underscores his role in shaping public discourse, preserving democratic values, and mentoring intellectual thought leaders.
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