On Monday, Navbharat Times marked its 78th anniversary with a special event, NBT Utsav 2025, at NDMC Convention Centre in central Delhi. With a longstanding presence in Hindi journalism, NBT has spent nearly eight decades evolving with the times—informing, engaging, and consistently reflecting the voice and aspirations of the people.
The evening not only marked a significant milestone in the publication’s journey but also highlighted individuals who represent the spirit of progress that the paper has long aligned itself with—Pragati ka Partner. A key segment of the celebration was the recognition of changemakers from across Delhi-NCR, people who left an indelible mark in their respective fields and communities. The Navbharat ke Navratna 2025 awards were presented by Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta and Union transport minister Nitin Gadkari.
In her address, Gupta fondly reminisced about her college days as a member of the Delhi University Students’ Union. “We used to draft our own press releases for students’ union events and personally deliver them to newspaper offices,” she recalled. “I remember visiting the NBT office to deliver those press notes.” She praised NBT for its unwavering commitment to driving positive change, citing initiatives like the women’s bike rally as an exemplary step toward women’s empowerment.
Reflecting on NBT’s enduring legacy, she remarked, “It was such a long journey from 1946 to now—a journey of trust. The paper connected with people across the country. They believe that if it is in NBT, it must be true. I often see the problems raised by the public highlighted in the paper, and I make sure my officials follow up.”
Gadkari also expressed his admiration for NBT’s longevity. “It is incredibly challenging to maintain such a high standard for 78 years. Running a newspaper is one of the toughest jobs in the world,” he said. “NBT maintained its position for so long, which is truly commendable.”
Gadkari further discussed various initiatives taken over the years to make the country better and the govt’s push for green and bio-fuel vehicles, including those running on methanol and ethanol, and shared an innovative idea: “I am planning to make a law that all vehicle horns should be made from sounds of Indian musical instruments, so they are pleasant to hear.”
The evening also saw the presentation of the NBT Prerna Deep Samman 2025 awards by lieutenant governor VK Saxena, recognising individuals who inspired change at the grassroots level. Reflecting on his own experiences, Saxena said, “Over the past three decades, I had the opportunity to engage with Delhi in various capacities, and in doing so, I personally experienced how deeply NBT connects with the lives of the people. Their campaigns and social initiatives consistently resonated with the public, making a meaningful impact.”
He added, “I vividly remember participating in NBT’s ‘All Women’s Rights Rally’ last month, and I was genuinely impressed by the initiative. NBT’s commitment to women’s empowerment is truly commendable. While the way news is presented has evolved over time, the trust people place in print media remains steadfast, and rightly so. A significant reason for this trust is the impartiality of the journalists who work in newspapers. It is clear that, much like the country’s progress post-independence, Delhi and its newspapers have also evolved, continuing to serve the public with integrity.”
The evening was further enriched through a series of captivating musical and classical dance performances. From soulful instrumental renditions to graceful expressions of traditional dance forms, the stage came alive with rhythm and artistry.
As NBT reflected on its remarkable journey, the evening not only celebrated the paper’s rich legacy but also highlighted the leadership and innovative ideas that continue to shape the region and the readership it serves.