Vaishnavi Rathore Wins 2025 Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award for Groundbreaking Reporting

Recognition for Outstanding Journalism

On Sunday, Vaishnavi Rathore was honored with the 2025 Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award in the “Print/Digital” category for her insightful coverage of the Great Nicobar Island Development Project.

As the first journalist to investigate the environmental and social ramifications of this controversial initiative, Rathore was recognized for the “excellence, depth, and relevance” of her reporting. The project was made possible through crowdfunding efforts from readers.

The Danish Siddiqui Journalism Award celebrates journalists who exemplify integrity, courage, empathy, and truth. It aims to honor those who challenge norms and deliver impactful stories that educate and inspire change.

“By acknowledging these storytellers, we continue Danish Siddiqui’s legacy of fearless journalism, motivating future generations with his dedication to excellence,” states the award's official site.

Siddiqui, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist and head of Reuters Pictures in India, reported on significant events across Asia, West Asia, and Europe, including the Rohingya refugee crisis, for which he received the Pulitzer alongside two colleagues. He tragically lost his life while covering a conflict between Afghan security forces and Taliban fighters near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in July 2021.

Also read: On the Great Nicobar island, why the future is fearful