The International Press Institute India Award for Excellence in Journalism, 2014, has been awarded to Hindustan Times for outstanding journalistic work done during 2013.
In a press release, the India Chapter of the International Press Institute announced that Hindustan Times was selected for the investigation into acid attacks on women in the country. "The investigation by Hindustan Times told of the horrid practice of disfiguring and shaming women by throwing acid on them. The series of articles spoke of acid attack victims who had suffered in many ways, and how some of them carried on with the fight by prodding an indifferent society. The series culminated in a campaign called 'stop acid attacks', to enlist the support of the society for the cause," the release stated.
The jury noted that the investigation "was not only timely but also generated lot of public attention about acid attacks. The focus on a very heinous crime has raised awareness and initiated discussion on preventive steps."
In July 2013, a team of HT journalists started a public interest campaign against acid attacks. The paper lent its voice to countless women who suffered in silence. Joining hands with acid attack victim Laxmi, who had petitioned the Supreme Court against the sale of the corrosive liquid, HT ran a ten-day campaign in which Laxmi and other brave survivors told searing stories of their journeys from being victims to survivors.
Laxmi's long legal battle paid some dividend when the apex court ordered the regulated sale of acid. In its campaign, HT also demanded the State to reimburse all medical costs and rehabilitate victims.HT and The Week magazine are the joint winners for 2014.