RAMESH MENON
Freelancer
Award: Environmental Reporting (Print)
For his detailed report on how the over-use of pesticides is turning Punjab into a poison field
‘‘It’s a worrying fact that India is being slowly poisoned by pesticides. Yet, there’s no action in terms of policy.’’

MENAKA DOSHI
Bureau Chief, Mumbai, CNBC-TV18
Award: Business and Economic Journalism (Broadcast)
For the most talked-about business story of the year, the report that made the rift in the Ambani family official
‘‘It’s a great feeling to win an award associated with an organisation that sets the highest of journalistic standards and is legendary for its integrity. Appreciation for my work through the award is very encouraging even as it increases the pressure to perform even better’’

PUNYA PRASUN BAJPAI
Deputy Editor, Aaj Tak
Award: Regional Reporting (Hindi)
For an investigative report on tribals in Vidharbha who were falsely booked under TADA for their alleged Naxalite links
‘‘The award recognises my work on the plight of tribals in the Naxalite belt of Vidharbha, a subject I feel strongly about even though it doesn’t fetch great TRP ratings’’

VIKAS DHOOT
Then Special Correspondent, Business World now with The Indian Express
Award: Business and economic journalism (Print)
For his story on how the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation reforms were scuttled and how politics hijacked the PF
‘‘These are things that many of us don’t always pay attention to. The interest rate of EPF is now a highly politicised decision, when it should rely on economics. We are talking about the callousness with which retirement plans of millions of unsuspecting people were being dealt with.’’

... contd.