Padma Bhushan Award 2025 conferred to veteran journalist Ram Bahadur Rai at IGNCA highlights his contributions to journalism, constitutional studies, and student activism. A key figure in the JP Movement and Emergency-era resistance.
Ram Bahadur Rai: A Celebration of Journalism and Cultural Integrity
Veteran journalist Ram Bahadur Rai was formally conferred the Padma Bhushan at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) office in New Delhi. The Ministry of Home Affairs, represented by Director General Satpal Chauhan, presented the prestigious medal and citation to Shri Rai, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to journalism, literature, higher education, and cultural discourse
Exemplary Service to Journalism and Public Discourse
Spanning over four decades, Rai’s career traces a remarkable journey—beginning with Hindusthan Samachar, continuing through his influential roles at Jansatta and Navbharat Times, and extending to his current position as Group Editor of Hindusthan Samachar He authored renowned columns such as “Kahat Kabir” in Yathavat and “Padtal” in Jansatta, shaping public opinion with clear analysis and fearless reporting
A Champion of Democracy: Emergency & JP Movement
Known for his activism, Rai was the first journalist imprisoned under MISA in 1974 during the Emergency. He played a pivotal role in the JP Movement, organizing students and dissenters, symbolizing his unwavering commitment to press freedom and democratic Noted dignitaries at the IGNCA ceremony, including Najeeb Jung and Santosh Bhartiya, praised his perseverance and legacy
Literary and Academic Contributions
Rai’s literary output is impressive, featuring critical works such as Manzil Se Zyada Safar, Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta, Rahbari ke Sawal, and Bhartiya Samvidhan: Ankahi KahanitThrough his biographies and analyses, he has illuminated India’s political history and constitutional heritage. His leadership extended into academia, holding roles like Chancellor of SGT University and President of IGNCA, guiding cultural and educational policy
Recognition and Institutional Support
Rai previously received the Padma Shri in 2015 and numerous journalism awards, including the Madhavrao Sapre and Manikchandra Vajpayi awardsAt IGNCA, dignitaries emphasized the importance of documenting his life for posterity—Santosh Bhartiya said “a book should be written on Shri Rai’s life and work to inspire future generations,” while Hemant Sharma described “honoring Rai Sahab is the honor of the award itself”
Why This News is Important
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For IAS, PCS, banking, railways, defence, police, and teaching aspirants, recent honours such as the Padma Bhushan are key topics under Current Affairs: Awards & Honours. Knowing about conscientious journalistic figures like Ram Bahadur Rai helps in essays, interviews, and objective sections.
Highlights of Journalistic Courage and Constitutional Awareness
Rai’s defiance during the Emergency and active participation in the JP Movement reflect journalistic bravery. His writings on the constitution and political history mirror apt coverage of political-constitutional dynamics, essential content for exam preparation.
Bridging Journalism, Academia, and Culture
Rai’s multidisciplinary roles offer valuable case studies for ethics in journalism, freedom of the press, and cultural leadership. His recognition by the Bharat awards underscores the significance of ethical reporting and cultural contribution tied to national development.
Inspiration for Personal and Professional Values
His journey—from student activism and imprisonment to distinguished journalism and cultural impact—serves as a strong inspirational narrative. It emphasizes critical thinking, integrity, and societal engagement–core values for civil service candidates.
Historical Context: Rai’s Path through India’s Democratic Evolution
Early Political Activism and Education
Born in 1946 in UP, Rai earned an MA in Economics from BHU. In 1965, he resisted dropping “Hindu” from the university name, leading a student movement and subsequent expulsionThis event marks his early fight for institutional identity and public dissent.
MISA and Emergency Era Resistance
In 1974, he became the first journalist jailed under MISA. During the Emergency (1975–77), Rai was imprisoned again, reflecting his pivotal role in safeguarding democratic rights during one of India’s darkest phases
JP Movement Organizer
As part of the JP Movement’s steering committee, Rai helped mobilize student leaders and shaped one of the largest popular blows to authoritarianism in India’s history, setting the stage for the Emergency’s downfall
Post-Emergency Journalism and Leadership
Rai revived his journalistic career post-Emergency, taking on leadership roles at major Hindi dailies and news agencies. In 2015, his appointment as IGNCA head marked his entry into academic and cultural policy-making, combining journalism and institutional stewardship
Cultural Legacy and Literary Impact
Author of socially and politically insightful biographies, Rai has shaped public understanding of constitutional evolution and political history—making him an important contributor to India’s cultural discourse and a relevant figure in exam syllabi.
Key Takeaways from Padma Bhushan Awarded to Ram Bahadur Rai
| # | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Ram Bahadur Rai was awarded the Padma Bhushan on 18 June 2025 at IGNCA office in New Delhi. |
| 2 | Rai had the distinction of being the first journalist jailed under MISA in 1974 and was active during the Emergency. |
| 3 | He served as Bureau Chief of Jansatta, Special Correspondent at Navbharat Times, and Group Editor at Hindusthan Samachar. |
| 4 | His notable books include biographies of VP Singh, JB Kripalani, Chandrashekhar, and works on India’s Constitution. |
| 5 | His leadership roles include Chancellor of SGT University and President of the IGNCA Trust. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Who is Ram Bahadur Rai and why is he in the news?
Ans: Ram Bahadur Rai is a veteran Indian journalist and author, recently awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contributions to journalism, literature, and education. The award was conferred at the IGNCA in New Delhi.
Q2. What are some significant contributions of Ram Bahadur Rai to Indian journalism?
Ans: Ram Bahadur Rai’s contributions include fearless reporting during the Emergency, being the first journalist imprisoned under MISA, authoring significant books on Indian political figures, and editorial leadership in reputed media houses like Jansatta and Hindusthan Samachar.
Q3. How is this topic relevant to government exam preparation?
Ans: Awards like the Padma Bhushan and personalities associated with journalism, constitution, and national development are part of Current Affairs, Indian Polity, and Ethics sections in exams like UPSC, PCS, SSC, Railways, Banking, and Defence services.
Q4. What is the JP Movement, and what was Ram Bahadur Rai’s role in it?
Ans: The JP Movement, led by Jayaprakash Narayan in the 1970s, was a mass protest against authoritarian rule. Ram Bahadur Rai played a key role as a student leader and mobilizer, and was later jailed for his activism.
Q5. What books has Ram Bahadur Rai written?
Ans: Some of his notable books include Manzil Se Zyada Safar, Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta, Rahbari ke Sawal, and Bhartiya Samvidhan: Ankahi Kahani.
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