2nd November 2022
DDE Auditorium, MANUU, Hyderabad
2nd of November, DDE Auditorium of the prestigious Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), journalists from across the nation, some with their families and a bevy of regional and national stalwarts congregated to celebrate 76 gender-sensitive works from amongst 993 entries received from in 13 different languages. These entries were drawn from electronics, print and web categories and marked a 14% increase over the previous year. This year too, the initiative was supported by UNFPA and The Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. HSBC registered their presence as associate sponsors, while Cottage Wellness were the gift sponsors, and Indian Overseas Bank as event sponsor.
The actual award ceremony was preceded by a meet and greet with the winners where each one spoke about their winning work and the motivation behind it. It was followed by a sumptuous dinner comprising a host of Hyderabadi delicacies like Haleem, Baigan Ka Salan, Khubani ka Meetha and of course the world famous Biryani.
“It is indeed rewarding to see the range of subjects and entries expanding with each edition and the gradual change in the way the stories are presented from a gender lens. The plethora of award-winning articles touches upon a number of topics, including marital rape, child marriages, LGBTQIA+ issues, trafficking, gender-based violence, and more. We are delighted to see the huge number of entries, and the groundbreaking realities brought to life with such unique angles. We are hopeful that we will only see more of this in the near future,” said Dr. A.L.Sharada, Director, Population First, in her welcome address.
Sriram Haridass, Deputy Representative, UNFPA India, Gareth Wynn Owen, British Deputy High Comissioner, noted journalist, K.Srinivasan, social activist Suneetha Krishnan, Ranjay Kumar Mishra, noted independent journalist Coreena Suares, Shakeel Ahmed, Rizwan Ahamd, Director IMC and Professor Shahida Murtaza, MANUU graced the event as guests of honor while His Excellency Prof. Syed Ainul Hasan, VC, MANUU presided over the event.
“UNFPA India recognises the fact that media can play a critical role in shaping public opinion and culture, challenging stereotypes and portraying men and women in gender-diverse roles thereby creating an environment where women and girls are valued and respected,” said Sriram Haridass, Deputy Representative, UNFPA India.
Smt. N. Sarada Srinivasan, a renowned and well-loved Telugu radio personality was conferred The Laadli Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s regional event. Smt. Sarada Srinivasan, a veritable living legend is gifted with a mellifluous voice that has enthralled four generations of radio listeners. A multi-faceted artiste, and a producer at All India Radio, Hyderabad, she has raised the level of Telugu radio plays and other shows to the highest standards. At the age of 85, she enacted the glamorous role of the enigmatic Amrapali in the radio adaptation of the famous oeuvre of Acharya Chatursen. She continues to mesmerize listeners across the globe.
“It has been a long and indeed very fulfilling journey of over a decade with Laadli. It’s exciting to see the change this small step has brought in terms of covering the news and depicting women, girls, and persons with alternate gender identities in the media. What started as a small drop in the ocean has indeed created quite a ripple and my heartiest congratulations to all the winners and to everyone involved in making this happen,” said Dolly Thakore, national coordinator for Laadli Media Awards for Gender Sensitivity.
A total of 30 Jury meetings were conducted to identify the winners. 56 eminent personalities from various walks of life including academics, media, journalism, social activists, change makers, business strategists, authors, and more from across the country and some from overseas made up the jury panels. A total of 76 journalists are being presented with the Laadli Media Advertising Award for Gender Sensitivity, while 35 receive the Jury Appreciation Citations at the award function.
Internationally acclaimed Warsi Brothers enthralled the guests with their energetic Sufi qawwalis. A peppy inaugural dance by the Aman Vedika Rainbow Homes set the tempo for the evening.
The event maybe viewed here