February 25, 2025, was a proud day for the Indian business journalism community. At the ET NOW Business Conclave & Awards held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Director of Indiamanthan Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd. and Publisher of The CEO Magazine, was awarded the prestigious “Excellence in Business Journalism” title.

The award was presented to him by none other than the Hon’ble Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, Lt. Gen. K. T. Parnaik (Retd.), in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the field of journalism that celebrates entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic impact.

Receiving the award on such a grand stage, Mr. Pandey said,

“This honour is not just about me; it’s a reminder that honest storytelling, grounded in values and purpose, still holds the power to impact lives and industries.”

Hosted by Times Network Digital, the ET NOW Business Conclave & Awards 2025 brought together policymakers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and thought leaders from across the nation, recognising excellence in over 70 categories. Yet, for Mr. Pandey, the moment stands as a milestone in his journey, which he has built from the grassroots. As an individual from a humble background now shaping narratives at the very top of India's business journalism ecosystem, receiving this award was the recognition of a mission.

For over a decade, Mr. Pandey has been at the forefront of creating meaningful editorial experiences through The CEO Magazine, a platform that has profiled thousands of industry leaders, startups, changemakers, and corporate giants. His editorial approach balances sharp business insights with human stories, bridging the gap between boardroom strategy and grassroots inspiration.

Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Pandey shared:

“I’ve always believed journalism should have a soul. It’s not about creating noise; it’s about creating value. This recognition tells me we’re on the right path.”

Mr. Pandey has consistently championed the power of regional voices, small-town entrepreneurs, and under-represented leaders in business media. Through initiatives under The CEO Magazine, he has opened doors for thousands of enterprises to share their stories with a global audience.

The recognition at the ET NOW Business Conclave only strengthens his resolve. “This is just another milestone,” he said. “The road ahead is long, and there is much more to create, share, and stand for.”

As the evening drew to a close, there was a sense that this wasn’t just a personal win, it was a win for everyone who believes that honest work, when done with heart, always finds its way to recognition.