Celebrating Excellence: The Shining Star Awards in Chamba

A Night of Recognition and Inspiration

Pallavi Sharma

Chamba: During the Shining Star Awards ceremony in Chamba, Executive Editor Sunil Chadha evoked the famous Bollywood line “Mere paas maa hai” to resonate emotionally with the audience. Addressing a crowd of over 2,000 attendees, including high-achieving students and their families, he remarked, “While The Newz Radar is still in its early stages, we are poised to expand our reach — our credibility sets us apart.”

In his address to the Chief Guest, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Chadha underscored the importance of credible journalism as a cornerstone of democracy. He stated, “Our commitment to our stories is unwavering. Journalism that challenges, informs, and holds power accountable is not merely a choice; it is a necessity,” which resonated well with the audience.

Chadha elaborated on the motivation behind The Newz Radar’s initiative to honor students achieving over 90% in Classes 10 and 12, emphasizing that the awards are designed to foster positivity and recognize excellence. “This initiative transcends mere grades. It celebrates dedication, discipline, and the drive to succeed — qualities that our society urgently needs to acknowledge,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the historical connection between journalism and Maharishi Narad, often misrepresented in modern narratives, Chadha noted, “While many view Narad as merely a messenger or a provocateur, his true legacy lies in truth, wisdom, and societal transformation.” He expressed that The Newz Radar aims to embody this spirit — to challenge injustices, celebrate achievements, and contribute positively to social change.

The Shining Star Awards in Chamba were part of a broader initiative by The Newz Radar to honor academic excellence without commercial interests. The event, attended by prominent officials, educators, and community members, represented a unique media-led effort to uplift merit and values. As the evening unfolded with heartfelt moments and applause, it became evident that The Newz Radar is not merely a news outlet — it is evolving into a movement dedicated to restoring trust in journalism through credible storytelling.