Noted management and media professional and educator, Prof. Ashok Ogra has been conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (deemed university), New Delhi at a well attened function held yesterday.
With over 45 years of experience across print, radio, television, and media education -and an alumnus who studied English journalism in the mid-1970s -Prof. Ogra’s career is a testament to his transformative impact on the media and education industry.
In accepting the award, Prof. Ogra remarked, “One has received many awards and honours from several institutes and bodies but to be recognized by one’s own Alma Mater is truly a humbling experience.”
He dedicated this honor to the mentors, peers, friends, and family members whose unwavering support and inspiration have been integral to his journey, as well as to those who continue reporting fearlessly, courageously, critically, and honestly. His advice to youngsters: “shun herd mentality and read between the headlines to uncover hidden truth.”
His illustrious career began with The Tribune in 1977, followed by a pivotal role at Doordarshan as Producer (News & Current Affairs), where he ascended to become Director in his early thirties and later served as Controller of Commercial Service (1993–95).
After resigning from government service in late 1995, he took on the role of Vice President to launch the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet in South Asia, leading both channels to become the most admired media brands in the region.
Later, Prof. Ogra served as Director of the Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication from 2003 until 2018, during which time he transformed it into one of the country’s most preferred institutes for postgraduate media studies; he currently continues his contribution as an Advisor (MC) with the reputed Apeejay Education, New Delhi.
He has also taught at the Film & TV Institute, Pune during 1982-85.
He has also served as a Jury Member of various film festivals including the prestigious Indian National Film Awards and also serves as Chairman of the Commonwealth of Learning Video Competition.
He serves on various government committees, and has also been a member of the ‘Executive Council’ of Jammu Central University; ‘Board of Studies’ of : Jamia Milia Islamia (MCRC); University of Rajasthan; Management School of Jammu University, Central University, Kashmir and other State Govt./Private Universities.
He is also closely associated with his alma mater- serving on Board of Studies, and is also invited to interact with the students/ trainees.
Those who work closely with him regard him remarkably unpretentious and humble. As a student, he actively participated in the protests against the emergency and also wrote against the same.
An avid reader and passionate writer and he has consistently valued the power of the written word. Drawing inspiration from books and literature across a wide array of disciplines, he integrates these insights into his professional practice.
His regular columns in esteemed English dailies of the country offer incisive commentary on current affairs and book reviews – reflecting his deep-seated commitment to lifelong learning and intellectual exploration.
