JAMMU, Oct 4: Renowned journalist Pradeep Dutta, founder of The Line of Communication—a digital platform amplifying Indian narratives globally—has been conferred the prestigious State Icon Harmony India Award 2025 for his fearless and impactful journalism.
The award recognises Dutta’s bold reportage spanning over two decades, including his frontline coverage of five major wars—the Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel-Lebanon war, Afghan Taliban insurgency, and the Kargil War—as well as his extensive reporting from conflict zones in Pakistan and Jammu & Kashmir.
Dutta’s journalistic journey has taken him through leading media houses such as The Indian Express and Times Now, where he specialised in geo-strategic issues, counter-insurgency, and counter-terror operations. He has also presented papers at national and international forums, further cementing his reputation as a seasoned conflict journalist.
His commitment to positive storytelling began early. As a Class XI student, he launched a bi-monthly magazine Oyster in Kashmir, aimed at countering Pakistan-sponsored gun culture by channelising youth energy into literature, dialogue, and constructive expression. This formative initiative, decades ago, reflected his deep belief in journalism as a force for peace and social change.
The award was presented at the 11th edition of the Harmony Awards at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu, by Nirupama Kotru, Commissioner of Income Tax, former DGP Kuldeep Khoda, J&K Relief Commissioner Arwind Karwani, and veteran journalist Ashwani Kumar.
This year’s ceremony also recognised achievers across diverse fields:
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Vijay Dhar, social activist and educationist, founder of DPS Srinagar
- Yogini Mata Laleshwari “Lalded” Samman – Padmashree Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, internationally acclaimed researcher and educationist
- Pt. Bhajan Sopori Smriti Samman – Padmashree Romalo Ram, veteran artist
- Shrestha Samman – Khalid Hussain, Brij Nath Pandit Betab, Ramesh Hangloo, Prof. B.L. Zutshi, Kaka Ji Safaya, Dr. Milan Sharma
- Women Achievers Award – Dr. Deepali Wattal
- Special Awards – B.L. Kaul Deep and Rakesh Anand
- Community Award – Pintoo Ji
The event highlighted individuals whose work has left a meaningful impact on society. For Dutta, the award serves as a testament to his dedication to fearless journalism, narrative building, and countering misinformation.
