Applications Open for The Media Foundation’s Annual Journalism Awards; Deadline January 24, 2026

The Media Foundation has announced the opening of applications for its prestigious annual media awards, inviting journalists from across India to submit their entries. Known for recognising excellence, courage, and gender-sensitive reporting, these awards aim to honour media professionals who have made a significant impact through their work.

This year, applications are open for three categories: the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year, the Vishwa Nath–Delhi Press Award for Fearless Journalism, and the Kamla Mankekar Award for Journalism on Gender. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 along with a formal citation.

Journalists from all around India are encouraged to submit their entries for the Media Foundation's esteemed annual media awards. These awards, which are well-known for honoring excellence, bravery, and gender-sensitive reporting, are intended to recognize media professionals who have significantly impacted society via their work.

Three categories are accepting applications this year: the Kamla Mankekar Award for Journalism on Gender, the Vishwa Nath-Delhi Press Award for Fearless Journalism, and the Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Media Person of the Year. Each award comes with an official citation and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000.

Women journalists who have shown exceptional professional skill and dedication to public interest journalism are honored with the Chameli Devi Jain Award. Journalists who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery, integrity, and independence in their reporting—often in the face of hardship or pressure—are honored with the Vishwa Nath–Delhi Press Award. In the meantime, influential journalism that raises awareness of social injustices, women's rights, and gender concerns is recognized with the Kamla Mankekar Award.

The selection procedure will be carried out by an impartial panel made up of distinguished journalists, according to the organizers, guaranteeing openness and reliability in the assessment. Over time, the awards have developed a reputation for highlighting narratives that subvert established power systems, provide voice to underrepresented groups, and support the media's democratic role.

Applications and nominations are open to journalists who work in print, digital, television, and other media. The Media Foundation's official website has comprehensive instructions, qualifying requirements, and the application process.

Nominations and entries must be submitted by January 24, 2026. To prevent last-minute delays, applicants are urged to turn in their work well in advance.

Additional details regarding the rewards and the application process are available at:

https://www.themediafoundation.in/tmf-awards-announcement/