Instituted by the Ramnath Goenka Foundation, the awards celebrate excellence in diverse areas, including investigative reporting, politics and governance, feature writing, sports journalism, books, and regional language reporting, highlighting work that demonstrates both courage and creativity.

Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan addressed the gathering, stressing the indispensable role of journalism in a functioning democracy. He pointed out that journalists not only inform the public but also act as guardians of truth and accountability. During his address at the ceremony in New Delhi, Radhakrishnan personally presented the awards to the winners, praising their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to high-quality reporting.

Paying tribute to Ramnath Goenka, the Vice-President highlighted Goenka's legacy of fearless and independent journalism. He noted that Goenka's work continues to inspire generations of journalists in India, reinforcing the values of integrity, objectivity, and a relentless pursuit of truth. Radhakrishnan said such recognition encourages journalists to uphold these ideals, even in challenging environments.

The jury for the 20th edition included eminent figures such as B. N. Srikrishna, C. Raj Kumar, K. G. Suresh, Rohini Nilekani, and S. Y. Quraishi. The distinguished panel meticulously evaluated entries from across the country, selecting work that not only demonstrated journalistic skill but also had a meaningful impact on society.

Celebrated as one of India's most prestigious journalism awards, the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Awards continue to inspire reporters, writers, and media professionals to pursue stories that uphold the principles of truth, accountability, and social responsibility. The ceremony reinforced the importance of fearless and ethical journalism in shaping informed public opinion and strengthening democratic institutions.