Burkina Faso’s acclaimed journalist Mariam Ouedraogo presented the award before an audience of eminent figures from the media world, reports Ashok Parameswar
UK-based journalist Anasudhin Azeez, Executive Editor and Managing Director of the London Daily, was conferred with the inaugural V.P. Ramachandran (VPR) Memorial Award at the International Media Festival of Kerala, organised by the Kerala Media Academy. The award, instituted in memory of the veteran journalist V.P. Ramachandran, recognises outstanding contributions to journalism and ethical reporting.
The award was presented by Burkina Faso’s acclaimed journalist Mariam Ouedraogo, in the presence of leading media figures including eminent journalists Karan Thapar and Rajdeep Sardesai, veteran journalists Sebastian Paul and Thomas Jacob, and guests such as Prof. K.V. Thomas and K.C. Narayanan.
Receiving the honour, Anasudhin Azeez expressed deep gratitude, reflecting on his formative years under V.P. Ramachandran’s mentorship at the Kerala Media Academy. “VPR was the major force that pushed me beyond barriers and languages. It was he who encouraged me to transition from Malayalam to English journalism. His Gandhian values of ethics and integrity remain a model for all aspiring journalists,” Azeez said.
He urged young journalists to pursue their careers with responsibility and professionalism rather than financial incentives. “Unlike many contemporaries, V.P. Ramachandran never aligned with powerful cliques in Delhi. Upholding the highest ethical standards throughout his career, he serves as an inspiration for all,” he added.
The ceremony also highlighted the Academy’s Media Person of the Year 2024 Award, presented to Mariam Ouedraogo for her remarkable contributions to global journalism. Indian media veterans Rajdeep Sardesai and Karan Thapar were honoured with the Indian Media Person of the Year Awards. The awards carry a citation, a sculpture, and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
The festival began with an inaugural address by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who remarked that journalism in India is navigating “one of its most challenging phases,” with independent reporting often misconstrued as sedition. He highlighted the significance of international media gatherings in providing a platform for free expression amid corporate-controlled media landscapes.
CM Vijayan also voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing violence in Gaza. A declaration of support signed by festival delegates was handed over to Abdullah Abu Shawesh, Ambassador of Palestine to India.
The award ceremony drew a distinguished audience, including Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair, Kerala Media Academy Chairman R.S. Babu, Director of Public Relations T.V. Subhash IAS, poet Prabha Varma, jury member Thomas Jacob, and numerous leading editors and media union representatives.
The V.P. Ramachandran Memorial Award not only honours individual achievement but also celebrates the enduring influence of mentorship, ethics, and cross-cultural journalistic excellence. In addition to Anasudhin Azeez, the festival recognised alumni and other notable journalists for their contributions, including P.I. Noushad (Madhyamam), R. Samban (Janayugam), Neenu Mohan (Mathrubhumi), Jibish Vayalippat (Malayala Manorama), Jithin Joel Harim (Malayala Manorama), Biju Pankaj (Mathrubhumi News), and Soumya R. (Mathrubhumi News).
The ceremony featured speeches emphasising the core principles of journalism, from integrity and ethics to courage and global perspective. Azeez stressed that journalism must transcend borders and personal gain, advocating for a profession rooted in truth and service to society.
The festival and award presentation underscored the Kerala Media Academy’s commitment to promoting excellence in journalism while fostering international collaboration, critical discourse, and the recognition of media professionals who have made enduring contributions to the field.
VPR: A trailblazer in Indian journalism
V.P. Ramachandran, popularly known as VPR, was a distinguished journalist, editor, and foreign correspondent from Kerala, celebrated for his incisive reporting, investigative journalism, and decades-long contribution to Indian media. Born in 1924 in Vadakkanjeri, Thrissur, VPR entered journalism with a deep commitment to truth, ethics, and public service, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian journalism.
VPR began his career in 1947 as a teleprinter operator for the news agency Associated Press of India (API), which later became the Press Trust of India (PTI). In 1949, he took on the role of reporter for PTI in Assam, gaining early experience covering critical regional and national events.
In 1958, while serving as PTI’s Lahore correspondent, VPR broke the news of General Ayub Khan’s military coup in Pakistan, demonstrating his aptitude for investigative and on-the-ground reporting. He went on to cover the India-China War in 1962, reporting from the front lines and providing critical insights during a pivotal moment in India’s history. Throughout his career, he interviewed world leaders, including US President Richard Nixon and Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, further cementing his reputation as a journalist with a global perspective.
VPR joined United News of India (UNI) in 1964, rising to the position of Deputy General Manager and serving as Delhi Bureau Chief. His leadership and editorial skills helped shape UNI’s national coverage during a transformative era in Indian media.
From 1978 to 1984, he served as the Executive Editor and later Editor of the Malayalam daily Mathrubhumi, guiding the publication through a period of significant growth and enhancing its journalistic credibility. During this time, VPR’s reporting on domestic and international affairs earned widespread respect for its depth and clarity.
In the late 1980s, VPR became the Director and later served two terms as Chairman of the Kerala Press Academy. Under his leadership, the Academy launched multiple media courses, shaping generations of journalists and promoting high standards of professional ethics.
In recognition of his lifelong contribution to journalism, VPR was honoured with the prestigious Swadeshabhimani-Kesari Award in 2013, acknowledging his unwavering commitment to truth, integrity, and the development of Indian media.
V.P. Ramachandran passed away at his home in Kochi in May 2022, at the age of 98. His career, spanning over seven decades, left an indelible mark on Indian journalism. Known for his fearless reporting, dedication to ethical journalism, and mentorship of future media professionals, VPR remains an enduring inspiration for journalists across India and beyond.
