The Indian Express Reporters Aiswarya Raj and Dheeraj Mishra have won the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2026 in the print journalism category. Their award-winning work was a two-part investigative series that examined how Uttarakhand’s push for adventure and aviation tourism had allegedly been taken over by a politically connected corporate network. 

Award recognises impactful investigative ground reporting

The Indian Express report says the series, published in September 2025, traced how Acharya Balkrishna, co-founder of Patanjali and a close aide of Baba Ramdev, consolidated control over a tourism company linked to the state’s aviation and adventure tourism ecosystem. That made the reporting significant not only as an investigation into business influence, but also as an example of on-ground journalism tied to governance, public resources and accountability. 

The Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award’s own description says it honours journalism marked by integrity, courage, empathy and truth, and celebrates reporting that confronts difficult realities and drives meaningful public understanding. That framework helps explain why a field-based investigation into influence, power and public policy fit the award’s stated purpose so well. 

Why this win stands out

This award matters because it highlights a kind of journalism that is often difficult, slow and resource-intensive: reported investigations that require following institutions, businesses and political connections across the ground rather than relying only on official statements. In that sense, the recognition of Raj and Mishra is also recognition of accountability reporting itself. This is an inference, but it is strongly supported by the nature of the award-winning series and the award’s stated emphasis on difficult, high-impact journalism. 

It also reflects the continued relevance of Danish Siddiqui’s legacy in Indian journalism. The award is designed to celebrate reporting that does not look away from uncomfortable truths. Honouring a public-interest investigation in the print category keeps that legacy closely tied to field reporting and institutional scrutiny. 

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Ceremony in New Delhi added institutional weight

According to The Indian Express, the awards ceremony was held in New Delhi, with Justice Madan B. Lokur, former Supreme Court judge, as the chief guest. The event also featured a special video address by former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan. Those details gave the occasion broader public and institutional visibility beyond a newsroom celebration. 

The publicly visible winners list for the 2026 edition also suggests that the awards covered multiple formats, but in the context of this headline, the key verified point is that Raj and Mishra were the winners in print journalism. 

Why journalism awards like this matter

Recognition of strong reporting is not only about prestige. It also signals what kinds of journalism deserve protection and investment. When awards go to investigations rooted in fieldwork and public interest, they reinforce the idea that journalism serves democracy best when it exposes hidden influence and documents realities that power may prefer to keep obscure. This is an inference, but it follows directly from the subject of the winning series and the purpose statement of the award. 

Truthful reporting strengthens public life

Journalism becomes most valuable when it is used to uncover facts that affect ordinary people and public institutions. Reporting that is patient, fearless and truthful helps society see clearly, and that clarity is essential for accountability and justice.

Call to Action

The real value of this recognition will be in whether it encourages more deep, on-ground investigative work across Indian journalism. Readers should not only celebrate such awards, but also support rigorous reporting that tracks power, money and public policy with patience and independence. 

FAQs: The Indian Express Reporters Win Award 2026

1. Which Indian Express reporters won the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award 2026?

Aiswarya Raj and Dheeraj Mishra won the award in the print journalism category. 

2. What was their award-winning report about?

It was a two-part investigative series on how Uttarakhand’s adventure and aviation tourism push was allegedly captured by a politically connected corporate network. 

3. Which category did they win in?

They won in the print journalism category. 

4. Where was the award ceremony held?

The ceremony was held in New Delhi. 

5. Who attended as chief guest?

Justice Madan B. Lokur, former judge of the Supreme Court, was the chief guest. 

6. What does the Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award aim to honour?

According to the award description, it honours journalism defined by integrity, courage, empathy and truth, and impactful storytelling that confronts difficult realities.