The Tata Trusts and Delhi Today set the record straight on the Engineer Rashid controversy. Tata Trusts deny any connection to the ‘India Visionary Leaders Summit: 2025.’ Moreover, they ask Delhi Today to take off the name of Ratan Tata with their ‘National Icon Award 2025.’
Delhi Today Group’s event stirred up a storm. Firstly, they falsely claimed Tata Trusts’ backing. Secondly, they attempted to use the name of the late Ratan Tata to gain credibility. Lastly, it came out that there was no “official selection” of Engineer Rashid for any award by the Delhi Today Group. This exposé unravels the shocking intent to legitimize Engineer Rashid while maligning the name of reputable organizations and leaders.
Tata Trusts Deny Any InvolvementÂ
It has been brought to our notice that the ‘India Visionary Leaders Summit: 2025’ and the ‘Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025’ is being organized in February 2025, and claims are being made that the event(s) are being supported by Tata Trusts. pic.twitter.com/QVd3Caihoi
— Tata Trusts (@tatatrusts) January 28, 2025
The Tata Trusts have categorically denied any association with the ‘India Visionary Leaders Summit: 2025.’ In an official statement, they denied supporting or endorsing the event. Morever, they stated that the awards was falsely presented under Ratan Tata’s name.
The Tata Trusts issued a cease-and-desist notice to Delhi Today Group on December 13, 2024 to the Delhi Today Group.
Therefore, they warned the Delhi Today Group against the unauthorized use of the Tata brand name or Ratan Tata’s legacy. However, their name and legavy was used in an inviatation. Moreover, these invitations went viral along with Engineer Rashid’s claim. Thus, two days ago, the Tata Trusts recognized the damage caused by this social media storm. Consequently, they swiftly issued a clarification on the matter on social media.
Delhi Today Group’s Clarification and the Real Culprit
The Delhi Today Group, led by Dr. Rajat Shrivastava, has denied any association with Engineer Rashid or his party. They claim no official invitation was sent to him and that any flyer or content linking his name to the award was mistakenly forwarded during their shortlisting process of MPs from the official Sansad website.
According to their statement, the Delhi Today Group remains committed to honoring ethical leadership and does not support unconstitutional activities.
Therefore, it seems that the controversy was fueled by Inam Un Nabi, the Chief Spokesperson of the Awami Itihaad Party. He was the one who gave interviews to the media and used social media to claim that Engineer Rashid was selected for a reputable award. This deliberate misinformation caused a social media uproar and calls for boycotts of Tata products and Delhi Today Group.
Engineer Rashid: A Terror-Funding Accused in the Spotlight
It seems that there is no legitimacy to Engineer Rashid’s nomination for the so-called ‘Ratan Tata National Icon Award 2025’! Rashid is not just another controversial politician from Baramulla! He is currently behind bars for allegedly funneling funds to terrorist organizations in Kashmir.
Did Congress shield Engineer Rashid? #PakAgentRashid pic.twitter.com/yo0UNLyKWm
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 11, 2017
Thus, Rashid’s inclusion in any award list is an insult to India’s security forces and the families of those who have lost their lives to terrorism.
This incident of fake nomination exposes a dangerous trend. It seems there are groups looking to exploit the reputations of respected organizations to legitimize Rashid in the eyes of the public! Was this an isolated case? Or is there a larger nexus at play?
Was This an Attempt to Whitewash Engineer Rashid’s Image?
This entire controversy raises serious concerns. Delhi Today Group claims they never invited Rashid. Hence, why did Inam Un Nabi, chief spokesperson for Rashid’s party push the false narrative of Rashid being honored?
Was this an attempt to whitewash a terror-accused MP’s image by attaching his name to a prestigious-sounding award?
The damage to reputations is undeniable. The Tata Trusts stepped forth in to prevent their brand from being misused. Delhi Today Group issued a clarification to salvage its credibility. But the biggest concern remains – who benefits from such misinformation? Is there an organized effort to create sympathy for Engineer Rashid? Was this a ploy to ensure Rashid gets another bail? Who needs a Kashmiri secessionist to be associated with India’s most respected institutions?
Shame on the Fake Narratives and Those Enabling Them
The Tata Trusts have made their stance clear: they will not allow their name to be hijacked for political or dubious purposes. The Delhi Today Group has cleared the air on the fake award! However, this incident raises pressing concerns about how misinformation spreads unchecked. Additionally, Inam Un Nabi’s role in pushing this narrative must be investigated.
Was this a calculated move by a toolkit to use the media to manipulate public perception of Engineer Rashid?
Or was this a way to malign Tata Trusts and the Delhi Today Group’s public image?
Netizens demand that the two organizations launch an investigation into the entire fiasco. Why the event was advertised under a false pretense of credibility? And are certain forces within the system working to whitewash the image of those accused of terror funding? Therefoe, this is not just about a fraudulent award. It is about protecting the integrity of India’s institutions and protecting legacies.
The real culprits behind this misinformation must face consequences.Â