MUMBAI: The accolades continue to pour in for Star India?s path-breaking Sunday morning Aamir Khan helmed social initiative and TV programme? Satyamev Jaayte (SMJ). Earlier this month, it was awarded the best programme with a social message Indian Telly Awards. Other awards that SMJ has taken home include: one by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the other by CNN-IBN in 2012.

And now it has been conferred the Mumbai Press Club?s prestigious RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism 2013.

The special award was handed out to Star India CEO Uday Shankar for featuring gutsy journalism on a general entertainment channel. The award recognizes SMJ?s remarkable contribution in highlighting social issues that continue to plague modern India and to help create public awareness through the pioneering TV program.

?It is extremely gratifying to receive this recognition. I am honoured and humbled. Satyamev Jayate was our modest attempt to bring to the fore many important challenges that modern India continues to grapple with,? says Shankar. ?It was an initiative to offer a public platform to issues that concern all Indians. While I am delighted to see these efforts being recognized, the focus should continue to be on the issues and all those working to make a difference.?

The Hindu former editior-in-chief N. Ram and author-journalist-activist KuldipNayar were honoured with the RedInk Lifetime Achievement Award by chief guest Maharashtra governor K Sankarannarayanan.

Veteran journalists and senior editors from across the length and breadth of the country graced the evening that was hosted by renowned columnist Bachi Karkaria in her traditional wit.

I&B minister Manish Tewari called for robust self regulation, at the Red Ink Awards 2013

I&B minister Manish Tewari, Uday Shankar, and N. Ram participated in an engaging panel discussion on ?Keeping Media Free and Fair? that was moderated by television anchor Arnab Goswami.

The RedInk Awards for Excellence in Journalism by the Mumbai Press Club honour and celebrate good journalism in India to encourage values of fearlessness and ethical writing. Journalists were rewarded in nine categories based on votes by an eminent panel of judges including Kumar Ketkar, Pritish Nandy, Minhaz Merchant, Shirish Inamdar, Hussain Zaidi, Khalid Mohammad, Colvyn Harris and Rahul Bose.