One of the highlights of the evening was the special felicitation of Dr. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, for her exceptional literary contributions and her role in the centenary year of the Legislative Council. While accepting the award, Dr. Gorhe lauded the efforts of My Media 24, saying, “It is commendable to continue this work with such dedication. I extend my best wishes for the future initiatives of My Media 24 and assure my full cooperation.”
Another powerful voice at the event was Sujata Raikar of Saath Sanstha, known for her work toward a Thalassemia-free Maharashtra. She emphasized the importance of media participation in raising awareness and noted that official directives are being issued in coordination with the Maharashtra government. She expressed hope that government-level implementation would mark a significant step in combating Thalassemia.
Actor and former Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Chitrapat Mahamandal President Vijay Patkar, upon receiving the award, expressed his gratitude saying, “I am happy that my work has been recognized in this first-of-its-kind journalist award ceremony. I will continue to work for the betterment of my journalist friends.” Fellow awardees Jaywant Wadkar and Deepak Karanjikar also expressed heartfelt appreciation.
Prof. Sheetal Harish Kardekar, the founder-president of My Media 24 and the Media Association of India, shared the inspiration behind the awards. “The nature of media is changing rapidly. I felt the need to do something different through this award initiative. Meeting and learning from so many great people in the journalism journey has been enriching. Honoring such contributors is not only our duty but our pride.”
Raviraj Ilve, Labor Welfare Commissioner of Maharashtra, called the recognition a historic moment, saying, “For the first time, the work of our board has been honored in this way. It gives me renewed energy to continue working harder.”
The event was filled with vibrant folk art performances that enthralled the audience and added a cultural charm to the evening. The honored dignitaries unanimously echoed that such accolades inspire greater dedication and passion in their respective fields.
Dr. Neelam Gorhe – Deputy Speaker, Maharashtra Legislative Council (Literature & Public Service)
Ashok Saraf – Veteran Actor, Padma Shri, Maharashtra Bhushan (Lifetime Achievement in Arts)
Vijay Patkar – Actor, Former President of Marathi Film Association (Cinema and Journalism)
Nitin Kelkar – Lifetime Achievement in Journalism
Ananya Goenka – Education & Social Work (Udan Trust)
Raviraj Ilve – Labor Welfare (Maharashtra Labor Welfare Commissioner)
Sayaji Shinde – Social Work (Sahyadri Devrai, Nature Conservation)
Sujata Raikar – Health Sector (Thalassemia Awareness)
Dr. Pradeep Dhawal – Cultural Contribution in Literature
Adv. Sangita Chavan – Women Empowerment, Social Activism
Santosh Pawar – Folk Art Conservation
Vaidehi Parashurami – Notable Actress
Kishore Apte – Senior Journalist
Mohan Bane – Senior Photographer
Shrikant Bojewar – Senior Journalist Advisor, Maharashtra Times
Sanjeev Bhagwat – Investigative Journalism (Daily Sakal)
Vishal Patil – Editor, Lokshahi Marathi News Channel
Prerna Jangam – Journalist, Sakal Premier
Shweta Wadke – News Reporter, News 18 Lokmat
Deepak Karanjikar – Arts & Economic Analyst
Jaywant Wadkar – Actor
Shruti Rahul – Newscaster, TV9 Marathi
Akshay Kudkelwar – Reporter, NDTV Marathi
Shreyas Sawant – Journalist, Pudhari News
Anand Murugkar – Digital Marketing, Lockies Studio
The Media Excellence Award 2025 successfully showcased how media and its allied fields continue to shape public discourse and societal progress through individual dedication and community-focused work.