Honour, Friendship, My Mother’s Blessings and the Journey of a Journalist.
(A Memoir by Prof. S. S. Dogra)
Life has taught me a profound truth: the most meaningful honours are never pursued; they arrive quietly as blessings earned through years of sincere dedication, perseverance and selfless service.
The 1st of December has always been a special day in my life—it is my birthday. Yet, in 2024, this cherished date acquired an even deeper meaning when I was conferred the “Shri Dheeraj Trikha Smriti Journalism Award–2024” at the Diamond Jubilee Auditorium of R.K.S.D. College, Kaithal, Haryana. Receiving such a prestigious honour on my birthday felt like destiny’s most precious gift, reaffirming my belief that sincere work ultimately finds its own recognition.
The journey towards this memorable moment began with an unexpected phone call from my literary friend, Dinesh Sharma, an acclaimed author and poet. Calling on behalf of Sahitya Sabha, Kaithal, he informed me that he had nominated my name for the International Journalism Award–2024. His words filled me with gratitude and humility. A week before the ceremony, the official invitation arrived, and the rest, as they say, became history.
Adding another memorable dimension to this beautiful journey was my conversation with one of my oldest friends, Swami Ved Ji, a devoted follower of Osho. The moment I informed him that I had been invited to Kaithal to receive the honour, he was genuinely delighted. With his characteristic warmth and affection, he immediately insisted that I arrive a day before the ceremony and stay with him at his villa, conveniently located near the college venue. I gladly accepted his gracious invitation.
The evening we spent together rekindled years of cherished memories, meaningful conversations and thoughtful reflections on life, literature, journalism and spirituality. His serene presence and simple yet profound outlook brought a sense of peace before the momentous occasion. That stay was far more than an act of hospitality; it was a celebration of enduring friendship and human warmth.
The following morning, Swami Ved Ji graciously accompanied me in his car to the award ceremony. His presence in the audience made the occasion even more meaningful. As he witnessed the felicitation ceremony, I felt a quiet sense of joy knowing that a dear friend was sharing one of the proudest moments of my life.
The organisers honoured me with a shawl, trophy, citation and, for the first time in my journalism career spanning nearly three decades, a cash prize of ₹5,101. Though the amount was modest, its emotional value was immeasurable. It was not merely a cash award; it was a heartfelt recognition of my years of dedicated service to journalism. I accepted it with deep gratitude and humility.
After the programme concluded, Swami Ved Ji and I enjoyed lunch together, reminiscing about old times and reflecting on the unforgettable day. We then drove back to his villa with hearts full of gratitude and happiness.
The celebrations, however, were not yet over. On the night of 1 December 2024, Swami Ved Ji’s Advocate son pleasantly surprised me by bringing a beautifully decorated birthday cake. The entire family gathered to celebrate my birthday with warmth, affection and genuine joy. Their love, hospitality and heartfelt wishes made me feel less like a guest and more like a member of their own family. We spent the evening sharing laughter, memories and gratitude, making the occasion even more special. Looking back, I realize that the day had gifted me far more than an award. It gave me recognition, cherished friendship, family-like affection and priceless memories that will remain etched in my heart forever.
This honour carried an emotional significance that words can scarcely express. My beloved mother belonged to the sacred soil of Haryana. As I walked onto the stage to receive the award, countless memories of her unconditional love, gentle guidance and unwavering faith in education, honesty and hard work flooded my heart.
During my acceptance speech, I shared with the distinguished gathering that receiving one of the most cherished honours of my life in my mother’s home state was far more than a professional achievement—it was an emotional homecoming. With folded hands and a heart overflowing with gratitude, I dedicated the award to the loving memory of my mother, whose blessings continue to illuminate every step of my life’s journey. In that unforgettable moment, I felt her silent presence, as though she were smiling with pride from the heavens.
As I received the shawl, trophy, citation and blessings from eminent scholars, journalists and literary personalities, my mind travelled back through the countless experiences that had shaped my journey. I remembered the endless hours spent reporting stories, writing articles, interviewing extraordinary personalities, reviewing books and films, producing documentaries and conducting media workshops across diverse regions. Every assignment became a classroom, every challenge a lesson, and every setback a stepping stone that strengthened my faith in journalism as a powerful instrument of social transformation.
For me, journalism has never been merely a profession; it has been a lifelong mission—to inform with integrity, inspire with hope and connect people through meaningful communication. Every article I have written, every interview I have conducted and every documentary I have produced has carried a simple purpose: to contribute, however modestly, to society and to the nation.
Looking back, I feel deeply humbled to have conducted more than 331 media workshops across India and Nepal. Meeting thousands of students, teachers and aspiring journalists has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Their curiosity, enthusiasm and dreams continually remind me that the future of journalism depends not only on technological advancement but, more importantly, on truth, compassion, credibility and ethical responsibility.
Writing books has been another deeply fulfilling chapter of my journey. Each publication reflects a different phase of my experiences and reinforces my conviction that knowledge acquires its true value only when it is shared. Similarly, my documentary films and creative projects have been humble efforts to preserve culture, promote education and encourage positive social change.
Serving as the Delhi Bureau Chief of Himalini, a respected Hindi monthly magazine published from Kathmandu, Nepal, has further broadened my understanding of journalism beyond geographical boundaries. It has strengthened my belief that language, culture and responsible media possess the extraordinary power to unite people across nations.
Standing on that stage, I silently offered this honour once again to my parents, my teachers, my family, my colleagues, my readers and every student who has ever placed their trust in me. Their encouragement has remained the invisible strength behind every milestone of my life.
This award is not the destination of my journey; it is a gentle reminder that many stories still await telling, many young minds await inspiration, many books remain unwritten and many meaningful conversations are yet to unfold.
Awards may adorn our shelves, but service enriches our lives. Recognition brings happiness, but responsibility gives life its true purpose.
As I continue this journey, I carry with me the same timeless values that have guided me from the very beginning—honesty, humility, lifelong learning and an unwavering faith in the transformative power of journalism.
The “Shri Dheeraj Trikha Smriti Journalism Award–2024” will forever remain one of the most treasured honours of my life—not merely because it acknowledged my professional work, but because it connected me emotionally with my mother’s homeland, strengthened the bonds of cherished friendship and reaffirmed my enduring belief that perseverance, sincerity and dedicated service never go unnoticed.
Whenever I look back on 1 December 2024, I do not remember only the applause, the trophy or the citation. I remember the warmth of old friends, the blessings of my late mother, the affection of Swami Ved Ji’s family, the joy of cutting a birthday cake surrounded by love, and the quiet satisfaction that comes from a life devoted to meaningful work.
Every sunrise offers another opportunity to learn, to serve and to leave the world a little better than we found it. To me, that is the greatest reward a journalist can ever receive—and the finest birthday gift life could have bestowed.
