Renowned journalist and intellectual Shri Ram Bahadur Rai, who currently serves as President of the National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Trust, has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan—India’s third-highest civilian award. As he could not attend the official ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, the award was formally presented to him at the IGNCA office by Shri Satpal Chauhan, Director General, Ministry of Home Affairs, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to journalism, culture, and national discourse.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of several dignitaries, intellectuals, and admirers. Notable attendees included former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Shri Najeeb Jung; Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Dean and Head of IGNCA’s Kala Nidhi Division; senior journalist Shri Hemant Sharma; former Uttar Pradesh Minister Shri Vijay Mishra; journalist Shri Santosh Bhartiya; and Shri Manmohan Singh Chawla from SGT University, among others. Shri Anurag Punetha, Media Controller at IGNCA, solemnly read out the official citation, bearing the President of India’s seal and signature, to an attentive audience.

Shri Jung praised Shri Rai as a moral compass and lifelong inspiration, while Shri Bhartiya urged that a comprehensive biography be written on Shri Rai’s life to guide future generations. Echoing this sentiment, Shri Hemant Sharma noted that honouring Ram Bahadur Rai was akin to honouring the spirit of the Padma awards themselves. Prof. Gaur, on behalf of IGNCA, expressed deep gratitude, hailing Shri Rai as not just an administrator but the elder and spiritual guide of the institution.

Shri Ram Bahadur Rai’s life is deeply interwoven with India’s modern political and cultural narrative. Currently serving as President of IGNCA Trust and Chancellor of SGT University in Gurugram, he remains an active force behind many intellectual and cultural institutions. Driven by the desire to contribute meaningfully to India’s nation-building, he chose journalism as a tool for societal change and intellectual awakening.

With over four decades of experience, Shri Rai’s journalistic journey began at Hindusthan Samachar, a multilingual news agency. He later assumed editorial responsibilities at renowned publications such as Jansatta, Navbharat Times, and the Hindi fortnightlies Pratham Pravakta and Yathavat. His thought-provoking column “Kahat Kabir” gained a devoted readership. Earlier, he also wrote the analytical column “Padtal” for Anayas and Jansatta, and contributed to several national dailies including Rashtriya Sahara, Amar Ujala, Prabhat Khabar, Rajasthan Patrika, and BBC Hindi.

An alumnus of Banaras Hindu University with a Master’s in Economics, Shri Rai was a prominent figure in the JP Movement and was imprisoned during the Emergency under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA). His activism, blended with intellectual integrity, made him a respected figure across ideological divides.

Shri Ram Bahadur Rai’s writings reflect his deep engagement with India’s socio-political consciousness. His notable publications include:

• Manzil Se Zyada Safar: A biography of former PM Vishwanath Pratap Singh
• Rahbari Ke Sawal: Political analysis through the lens of former PM Chandrashekhar
• Shashwat Vidrohi Rajneta: Biography of Acharya J. B. Kripalani
• Editor, Kali Khabron Ki Kahani: A book exposing paid news practices
• Contributor, Lokka Prabhash: Biography of Prabhash Joshi, founding editor of Jansatta
• Editor, Hamare Balasaheb Deoras
• Contributions to Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Samagra
• Editor, Bhanupratap Shukla – Vyaktitva aur Vichar
• A concise biography of Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan
• Bhartiya Samvidhan – Ankahee Kahaniyan and a special essay titled Rashtraki Lokabhivyakti mein Samvidhan par Aupniveshik Chhaya

Shri Ram Bahadur Rai’s impactful role in Indian journalism and cultural thought has earned him widespread recognition over the years.

• Bhagwan Das Janjagran Patrakarita Puraskar (1990)
• Hindi Academy Journalism Award, Delhi (1994–95)
• Ekatm Manav Darshan Samman (2009)
• Madhavrao Sapre Samachar evam Shodh Sansthan Award (2010)
• Vikalp Sanstha Journalism Award (2010)
• Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Samman awarded by Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University in 2013
• Madhavrao Sapre National Creative Honour, Govt. of Chhattisgarh (2014)
• Padma Shri, Government of India (2015)
• Hindi Ratna Samman (2019)
• Padma Bhushan, Government of India (2024)

In every phase of his career, Shri Ram Bahadur Rai has exemplified integrity, courage, and intellectual depth. From being a student activist to a journalist, editor, author, cultural visionary, and institutional leader, his journey reflects a life dedicated to national service.

By honouring him with the , India not only recognizes his personal achievements but also salutes the enduring values of truth, independence, and intellectual commitment that he represents.