Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Ganeshbhai Patel Applauds Media’s Role as Pillar of Democracy at Grand Ahmedabad Ceremony
8 April 2026, Gujarat:
The Gujarat Media Awards 2026 (GMA) was organised on April 7 at Tagore Hall in Paldi, Ahmedabad. The prestigious ceremony, hosted by Media Welfare Trust and Sun Media Services, was graced by Shri Rushikesh Patel, Cabinet Minister, Government of Gujarat, as the chief guest. Journalists who have upheld the values of courage, truth, and social responsibility were honoured by the Minister for their outstanding contribution to the field of journalism.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rushikesh Patel praised the work of journalists and said that, as the fourth pillar of democracy, the media plays a crucial role in shaping society. He further added that such awards serve as a source of inspiration and fresh motivation for journalists working at the grassroots level.
The grand event witnessed the presence of several eminent personalities from print, electronic, and digital media, along with social leaders and distinguished guests. The primary objective of the Gujarat Media Awards is to recognise and appreciate media professionals whose work brings meaningful change to society.
At this year’s ceremony, 22 outstanding media professionals were felicitated across various categories of journalism. Padma Shri Devendra Patel was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his invaluable contribution to journalism. Meghna Dev was honoured with the Jury Special Award.
Among the major winners, Toral Kavi was named Best Anchor (Female), while Janak Dave received the award for Best Anchor (Male). Other awardees included:
- Khyati Bajpai Jain – Best Business Story
- Bharat Rabari – Best Cartoonist
- Deval Thoriya – Best Columnist
- Payal Rathod – Best Education Story
- Asmita Dave – Best Entertainment Story
- Vijay Chauhan – Best Feature Story
- Pratik Jadav – Best Health Story
- Jignesh Patel – Best Inspiration Story
- Krishna Patel – Best Effective Story
- Jaydeepkumar Parmar – Best Investigation Story
- Amit Dave – Best Photographer
- Jay Thadeshwar – Best Podcaster
- Yagnik Parikh – Best Political Story
- Ramesh Tanna – Best Positive Story
- Bhavini Dabgar – Best Regional Story
- Mit Trivedi – Best R.J.
- Kushal Golwelkar – Best Sports Story
- Jay Shukla – Best Web Story
The Gujarat Media Awards enters its fourth successful year in 2026. Since its inception in 2017, the platform has continued to honour excellence in journalism and celebrate media professionals who work with integrity and dedication.
This year’s panel of judges included Shri P.K. Laheri, former Chief Secretary of the Government of Gujarat and Trustee of the Somnath Trust; Dr. Sonal Pandya, Head of the Journalism Department at Gujarat University; and Dr. Shirish Kashikar, Director of NIMCJ. Their contribution played an important role in selecting the awardees.
Ankit Hingu, the chief organiser of Gujarat Media Awards, along with the team of Sun Media Services, welcomed the invited guests, media stalwarts, and dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Ankit Hingu said, “The Gujarat Media Awards aims to emerge as Gujarat’s most prestigious and influential media platform. Our goal is to inspire the next generation of journalists and further strengthen the foundation of democracy. Carrying forward the legacy of journalism with honesty and integrity remains the core commitment of Sun Media Services and the GMA team. We are dedicated to providing a larger platform to media professionals who perform their work with truth, responsibility, and commitment.”
Several organisations extended their support as partners for the event, including GMDC, Sunheart Ceramics, Ankur Maternity Home and Clinic, Evolve Industries, Fidulis, Prince Parth Films, Ayodhya, Heart Foundation and Research Institute, Jio News, Shri Bhagwan Selection, Patel Caterers, Manza Ice Cream, Vision Raval, Jenish Sign, Imagebox Films, Ken Design Studio, Paani Waale, and Setu Media.
