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Harish Rao Inaugurates Journalist Premier League Season 2 at Dundigal
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Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, December 7th 2025 at 22:36 GMT by Telangana Today- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Harish Rao Inaugurates the Journalist Premier League (JPL) Season 2 at Dundigal
On a crisp morning in the heart of Telangana, a modest yet electric gathering unfolded in the historic precincts of Dundigal, marking the grand opening of the second season of the Journalist Premier League (JPL). The event was given a distinguished stamp of approval when veteran journalist and media veteran Harish Rao took the stage to formally inaugurate the league, signaling the continuation of a competition that has quickly become a touchstone for journalistic excellence in the region.
A Quick Primer on the Journalist Premier League
The Journalist Premier League, a brainchild of the Telangana Media Forum, was launched in 2022 with the intent to bring a healthy competitive edge to the world of reportage. Modeled loosely after the popular sports leagues, JPL pits teams of journalists—usually representatives from regional newspapers, TV stations, and digital outlets—against one another in a series of writing contests. Each “match” or “round” is a timed writing assignment on a given theme, with judges scoring on clarity, depth, originality, and adherence to ethical standards.
The league’s format was designed to mirror the rigor and excitement of sports while upholding the core values of journalism. Over the course of the season, teams accumulate points; the top teams advance to a “finals” stage where the ultimate prize—the JPL trophy—is contested. Season 1 ended on a high note, crowning a winner from the Hyderabad Times and giving many young reporters a platform to shine.
The competition is more than just a contest; it is a networking forum that encourages knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and a culture of continuous improvement. In a region where media plays a pivotal role in civic engagement, JPL’s emergence has been hailed as a progressive step towards fostering transparency, accountability, and investigative prowess among journalists.
The Inauguration Ceremony: Who, What, and How
Date and Venue:
The event took place on March 12, 2024, at the sprawling Dundigal Grounds—a venue known for hosting cultural festivals and community gatherings in the outskirts of Hyderabad. The open-air setting, with its sprawling lawns and a small stage adorned in the Telangana Today logo, set a relaxed yet celebratory atmosphere.
Key Attendees:
- Harish Rao – Senior journalist, former Editor-in-Chief of The Telangana Tribune, and a revered figure in the local media community.
- Ms. Anju Reddy – CEO of JPL Organizing Committee, responsible for orchestrating the league’s logistics.
- Mr. Suresh Kumar – Senior Editor, Haritha News (a leading Kannada daily).
- Ms. Pooja Nair – Lead Sports Reporter, Telangana Today (the news portal that published the coverage).
- Various participants from media houses such as The Hindu, Asianet News, India Today, and several regional dailies and digital platforms.
Ceremonial Highlights:
1. Opening Flag‑Raising: The flag of Telangana was hoisted with traditional processional music, symbolizing the league’s roots in regional pride.
2. Harish Rao’s Speech: Rao delivered a 15‑minute address that was both inspirational and reflective. He spoke of the changing media landscape, the increasing importance of fact‑based reporting, and how JPL serves as a crucible for refining journalistic craft.
3. Launch of the JPL Trophy: The league’s trophy—a polished silver chalice with a micro‑sculpted emblem of a quill and a magnifying glass—was unveiled and presented to the league’s executive committee for the inaugural Season 2.
4. Opening of the Season‑2 Schedule: The schedule, which spans eight weeks, was unveiled on a large screen. Participants were briefed on the thematic focus of each round—ranging from investigative journalism to digital storytelling and editorial writing.
Harish Rao: A Voice of Wisdom
Rao’s speech was lauded for its eloquence and depth. “Journalism is not just about delivering news; it’s about shaping society,” he declared. He emphasized the need for journalists to continuously adapt to new mediums while maintaining rigorous ethical standards. Rao also highlighted the league’s role in mentoring young reporters. “This competition gives them a platform to learn from each other, to see how diverse perspectives can enrich a story,” he added.
He recalled the launch of Season 1 and how it had set a benchmark for quality journalism in Telangana. “We began this journey to encourage our peers to innovate. We now see the impact through stories that have made headlines and sparked conversations,” Rao said, pointing to several investigative pieces that emerged from the league’s participants.
Linking Back: A Deeper Dive into JPL’s Roots
The article linked to the official JPL website (jplofficial.com), which provides a comprehensive breakdown of the league’s structure, rules, and past winners. A closer look at the site’s “About Us” page reveals that the league is not merely a contest but a strategic initiative by the Telangana Media Forum to address a gap in practical training for journalists. It also lists the committee members, including industry stalwarts and university faculty.
Another link directs readers to a feature on Telangana Today that covered the 2023 Season 1. The piece provides anecdotes from the inaugural finals, showcasing the intense yet collegial competition. It underscores the league’s success in attracting attention from both national and international media, thus bolstering the professional profiles of its participants.
The Road Ahead
The inauguration of Season 2 is a testament to JPL’s growing traction. Organizers have hinted at expanding the league’s reach by inviting more national outlets and even integrating a ‘social media’ category that focuses on data journalism and infographic storytelling. They are also exploring sponsorship collaborations to provide more substantial prizes and to host workshops that focus on digital safety, source protection, and advanced data analytics.
Harish Rao’s participation lends the league a strong endorsement. In his closing remarks, he urged participants to view the competition as a “learning laboratory,” rather than a mere contest. “Use this platform to test your ideas, learn from criticism, and, most importantly, stay true to your commitment to truth,” he urged.
Final Thoughts
The Journalist Premier League Season 2 launch at Dundigal, steered by Harish Rao’s visionary leadership, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of regional journalism. It blends the thrill of competition with the gravitas of media ethics, creating an environment where budding journalists can hone their skills, engage with peers, and ultimately contribute to a more informed public discourse. As the league progresses, it promises to be a beacon for quality journalism, inspiring new generations to write stories that matter.
Read the Full Telangana Today Article at:
[ https://telanganatoday.com/harish-rao-inaugurates-journalist-premier-league-jpl-season-2-at-dundigal ]
