New Delhi: Political journalist and orator Nitin Kumar from Business Standard newspaper has bagged the Seema Nazareth Award for Excellence in Journalism 2021. Kumar, 27, who is based in New Delhi, is the 23rd recipient of the award, instituted by Business Standard and the Nazareth family in memory of Seema Nazareth, a young Business Standard journalist who died in March 1999.
Kumar is the only journalist from Business Standard to win this award for the second time. Last year, he won the same award in the ‘Special Mention’ category.
The award, given every year to a journalist under 30 years, carries a prize of Rs 50,000, a silver pen and a citation.
Kumar was chosen by the final jury, comprising Chief Guest, Ms Nirupama Rao- Former Foreign Secretary of India, Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya- Chairman, Business Standard, Shailesh Dobhal- Editor, Business Standard, Nivedita Mukharjee- Executive Editor, Business Standard, and PA Nazareth (Seema Nazareth’s father) among others.
Commending his work, the jury recognised Kumar’s command over a wide range of subjects – from pure politics to social-economic issues related to Covid-19 and farmers’ agitation.
Speaking on the occasion, Kumar said, “Getting this award is like a dream coming true after years of hard work, determination and commitment. I extend my gratitude to the entire Business Standard family for considering me worthy of it.”
“In life what matters is our attitude. If we give up easily, we cannot taste the flavor of success. I know that the path to success is difficult and long but I assure you all that I will always tread the path in the same spirit no matter how long and difficult it is,” added Kumar.
Akshara Srivastava won the Special Mention Award.