Tarun J Tejpal (2009-10)
Mr. Tarun J Tejpal is a journalist, publisher and novelist and in his 26-year career he has worked with India Today, Indian Express, The Telegraph and Outlook. In 2000 he started Tehelka, a news organization that has earned a global reputation for its aggressive public interest journalism. Mr. Tejpal has been listed as one of Asia’s 50 most powerful communicators and among 50 leaders at the forefront of change in Asia. His debut novel The Alchemy Of Desire was hailed as a "masterpiece", and his new one, The Story of My Assassins, has been termed "an instant classic". Both have been translated in more than a dozen languages worldwide. Both as a journalist and a writer, his work is seen as courageous and pathbreaking.
Umesh Anand (2008-09)
Umesh Anand is a journalist by profession. His last assignment was as the Resident Editor of the Times of India in Delhi. Umesh conceptualised Civil Society, a monthly magazine that was launched to track Indian change leaders. Through this venture, he has helped spread new ideas on green business, water, organic farming, alternative models in health and education, innovative use of information technology and traditional knowledge.Rita Anand (2008-09)
A teacher by profession, Rita Anand switched to being a researcher and reporter on social issues in the nineties. Rita conceptualised Civil Society, a monthly magazine that was launched to track Indian change leaders. She has worked with the Centre for Science and Environment, the Women’s Feature Service and has studied urban slums and reproductive health under a Panos fellowship. She has built a loyal, national readership, thereby proving that Indians value free media and serious content.Altaf Ahmed(2007-08)
He is a freelance journalist and a social activist with a special interest in human rights. He has been working for the last 25 years on communal and linguistic harmony, and peace and human rights. He has organized campaigns and written a number of articles on social issues like land rights, tribal rights, Indo-Pak harmony, environment, conservation of resources, etc. and has also been recognized by the Indian government for his services to the community.