Sh. Nitin Sharma, Assistant Editor (Sports) with The Indian Express, has won the 15th Laadli Media & Advertising Awards for Gender Sensitivity 2025, supported by the United Nations Population Fund, for his story titled “Taunted for her features as a child, Deepthi Jeevanji, backed by Gopichand, strikes gold at World Athletics Para Championship.”

The story highlights the struggles and hardships faced by para athlete Deepthi Jeevanji, a native of Kalleda in Warangal district of Andhra Pradesh. Born during a solar eclipse and living with an intellectual disability — a cognitive condition that affects communication and adaptive skills — Deepthi’s journey to becoming a world champion is a powerful narrative of resilience.

The Laadli Media Award ceremony was held in Mumbai on Wednesday. Nitin had also won the Laadli Media Award in 2023 and 2024, making this his third consecutive recognition.

This year, a total of 715 entries were received for the awards. Sixty-three journalists were presented with awards, while 33 received jury appreciation citations.

Laadli Media Advocacy by Population First, a social impact organisation working on health and population issues from gender and social development perspectives, focuses on promoting gender sensitivity in media and communication. Their initiatives aim to build a more gender-equitable society by challenging deep-seated misogyny and patriarchal mindsets. Governing council of Chandigarh Press Club contratulated  Mr. Sharma, said  Mr. Rajesh Dhall Secretary General of Chandigarh Press Club.