Mumbai: Two distinguished journalists from Dainik Bhaskar have been awarded the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Awards for Excellence in Journalism – 2026, underscoring the publication’s commitment to fearless, on-ground reporting in service of society. The awards were presented by the Vice-President of India, Hon. C.P.
Radhakrishnan at a ceremony held in Delhi. For the first time, Dainik Bhaskar journalists have been honoured with the Prestigious Ramnath Goenka Awards.
Avadhesh Akodia, a reporter with Dainik Bhaskar, received the award in the Best Reporting in Hindi category for his groundbreaking investigative series published in 2024. His reports exposed a massive kidney trafficking racket operating between Bangladesh and India, revealing how poor donors and wealthy recipients were exploited in illegal transplant operations across multiple Indian cities. The series highlighted the lax enforcement of India’s organ transplant laws and brought national attention to the issue.
Vijaypal Dudi, another Dainik Bhaskar reporter, was honoured in the Uncovering India Invisible category for his courageous reporting on infant trafficking in Rajasthan’s Udaipur region. His 2024 series uncovered how children from impoverished tribal families were being sold for profit to childless couples across the country. The revelations sparked uproar in the Rajasthan State Assembly, prompted immediate judicial intervention, and led to a decisive crackdown on the trafficking network.
Highlighting the significance of the honour, Girish Agarwal, Promoter Director of Dainik Bhaskar Group, stated “This honour is a testament to the power of ground reporting. Our journalists have shown that when you bring hidden truths to light, you not only inform but also drive change. At Dainik Bhaskar, we believe journalism must serve society by holding up a mirror to its realities, however uncomfortable they may be.”
The Ramnath Goenka Awards, instituted by the RG Foundation in memory of the late Ramnath Goenka, founder of the Indian Express Group, are widely regarded as the most respected journalism awards in India. They recognise excellence, integrity and impact in the field of journalism.
This recognition of Dainik Bhaskar journalists reflects the publication’s editorial emphasis on rigorous investigative reporting and its unwavering dedication to serving society through truth and accountability.
