On February 28, 2025, the Ambassador of Ukraine to India Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk had the honour of attending the IPI India Award for Excellence in Journalism 2024 as the Guest of Honour. 

This prestigious award, presented by the International Press Institute (India Chapter), recognizes the extraordinary contributions of journalists who uphold the highest principles of integrity and courage in their reporting.

This year’s main award was conferred upon Bhanu Prakash Chandra for his remarkable work in The Week magazine. 

Having visited Ukraine multiple times, Bhanu documented the realities of war with a deep sense of responsibility, producing a powerful special issue dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day. His work has been instrumental in fostering a deeper understanding of Ukraine’s struggle and resilience within India and beyond.

The Ambassador personally congratulated Bhanu, as well as other distinguished journalists from leading Indian media houses who were recognized at the ceremony for their fearless reporting and dedication to truth.

In his speech, Dr. Polishchuk emphasized the importance of journalism in times of war and injustice, quoting Mahatma Gandhi:

“The sole aim of journalism should be service. The newspaper press is a great power; but just as an unchained torrent of water submerges whole countrysides and devastates crops, even so, an uncontrolled pen serves but to destroy.”

He acknowledged that in war, journalists play a role as vital as any soldier. Their words shape perceptions, their stories bring unseen realities to the world’s attention, and their bravery ensures that history is written not by those who seek to silence the truth, but by those who fight to preserve it.

Ukraine deeply values and respects the commitment of journalists who step into the hardest places, ensuring that the world does not forget. 

The Ambassador reiterated Ukraine’s unwavering belief that truth and justice must prevail not only on the battlefield but also in the realm of public discourse.