Presentation of ‘Newsmaker Achievers’ Awards by ‘Afternoon Voice’ to Achievers from Diverse Fields

Ram Lalji felicitating Appa Parab

Mumbai, 4^thMay – The presentation of the 17^thedition of the Newsmakers Achievers Awards 2025, presented by Daily Afternoon Voice, was held on 01.05.2025 on ‘Maharashtra Din’. Individuals from diverse fields including journalism, public service, politics, healthcare, arts, business, and social reforms, etc., who have made significant contributions were felicitated on the occasion. Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Mr Ram Lalji was the chief guest of the programme. Minister for Industries and Marathi Language Uday Samant, and Home (State) Minister Yogesh Kadam were among the ‘Newspaper Achievers’ awardees. The programme was successfully held under the guidance of Daily ‘Afternoon Voice’ editor-in-chief Vaidehi Taman at Rangswar, Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, Nariman Point, Mumbai. Among the other awardees were Mr Rajiv Patil as the best IAS officer, Col (Retd) Prabhat Sood (Defence Services contribution) from Defence field, Mr Prashant Damle as the best theatre artist, Mr Dattatreya Mane as the best social activist, Mr Pushyamitra Bhargav as the best Mayor (Indore) and social activist, best journalist Neha Purav, best news-editors Sarita Kaushik (ABP Maza), Ashish Jadhav (Lokmat), Ashutosh Patil (Jai Maharashtra).

Mr Appa Parab, the senior fort-scholar, stated, “The youth should seek inspiration from history. Follow the ideals set by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and work for the better future of the country.” Minister Uday Samant said that the award would motivate him to work more honestly and to serve the people of Maharashtra.

Sarita Kaushik being felicitated by Ram Lalji, State Minister Yogesh Kadam and Dr Vaidehi Taman

‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ to five dignitaries including Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar

‘Lifetime Achievement award’ was presented to Pt Hridaynath Mangeshkar (accepted by his sister Ms Usha Mangeshkar), Mr J V Pawar, veteran Dalit Panther and literary icon, Mrs Smita Jaykar, film and TV actress, Ms Anu Agarwal, former actress and wellness advocate and Zilla Bai Vasave, tribal reformer and social worker.

We have to work in respective fields to take India ahead ! – Ram Lalji, Akhil Bharatiya Sampark Pramukh, RSS

Maharashtra has given many Saints, revolutionaries and social reformists to India. The awardees are the modern flag-bearers of our culture. Today, the world is accepting Indian culture. We have to work for taking this culture ahead. We have to first work to make this country competent for it. India will lead the world in coming times. We have to work in our respective fields for the progress of India.

Other prominent awardees include Ranjit Savarkar (Best Author), Sandeep Tamgadge (IPS) (Best IPS Officer), Manisha Patankar-Mhaiskar (IAS) (Best IAS Officer), Ananth Mahadevan (Best Film Director), Dinesh Vijan (Best Film Producer), and H.E. Mr Sven Ostberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai. The Special Jury Awards were also conferred in the event to Dr Nandita Pathak, a noted social entrepreneur, and Maya Rambahadur Lama for her exemplary work in the social sector.