Agenda Aajtak 2025:
India's premier news summit, 'Agenda Aajtak,' has officially begun at Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel. During the inauguration of this two-day news summit, India Today Group's Vice Chairperson and Executive Editor-in-Chief Kali Puri prominently highlighted an interview with Russian President Putin, declaring it a prestigious moment not only for 'Aajtak' but for the entire nation.
Beginning her inaugural speech, Kali Puri stated, 'We have just returned from an exclusive conversation in Moscow with President Putin. This interview has sparked significant global discussions. I wish to cite this as a landmark achievement.'
Puri elaborated on why 'Aajtak' stood out among various Indian channels for the interview. She praised the Russian President's team's choice, emphasizing the professionalism demonstrated, and how the news gleaned from this interview headlined globally, bringing India's leading news channel into the limelight.
Kali Puri mentioned, 'Russia's team invested months in meticulous investigation. They evaluated statistics, ratings, impact, and trust data before selecting Aajtak as their platform. This selection was not just an honor for Aajtak but for the entire nation, reflecting that an Indian channel was chosen. We too resolved to make this interview a mission, setting a new benchmark beyond global channels.'
She continued, 'Upon our arrival at the Kremlin, we requested adjustments in decor and lighting, which surprised the Russians—an indication of the precision a small Indian team could demand. Unlike other global teams, they cooperated seamlessly. The results left them impressed with our competence.'
Concluding the dialogue, the Russian team extolled anchors Anjana Om Kashyap and Geeta Mohan for their probing questions and engaging rapport. President Putin, captivated by the interview's openness, extended its duration from sixty to a hundred minutes. The international response to this dialogue was an equally remarkable experience for the Russian team, representing not just a victory for 'Aajtak' but a triumph for our nation.
Kali Puri remarked on the Indian channel creating global headlines. Prestigious outlets—The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC, CNN, Financial Times, The Guardian, Russia TV—discussed our interview, impressed by our perspective. We asked the questions Western media dared not. This shattered the myth that Indian media cannot participate in global discourse. On that day, the Indian stance resonated on the world's grandest stages. After all, pioneering new pathways has always been our signature. Your trust and support guide us to conquer new horizons. A heartfelt thank you to you all. Kali Puri mentioned delivering an 'impact report card' last year since our focus extends beyond covering news to following through. Issues from employment to exam results, fake pharmaceuticals, pollution, illegal clubs, missing compensation, and recent airline ticket crises—we amplified your voice for actionable resolutions, making tomorrow better for us all.
She emphasized her commitment to this mission, considering it both duty and karma. She shared not news but breaking impacts—initiatives like Operation Sindoor to reconstruct homes, informed by a recent Army call confirming completion before the harsh winter. This is just the first step toward mending broken hearts, and we'll continue because true reward lies not in ratings and awards, but your trust. It empowers us to aim higher each year.
Kali Puri concluded, 'Life throws unexpected challenges. Events occur suddenly, bringing unimaginable moments. At such times, having a reliable companion is crucial. Aajtak plays that role for its audience—a loyal ally, a reliable pathfinder standing firm in your times of need. We deliver the truth and remind you that amid global issues, India's voice remains powerful. Welcome to 'Aajtak'—your voice, your companion. Together, let's set the nation's agenda forward. Thank you!'
