There can be no more powerful way to hold a mirror to the world than to capture a slice of a time and hold it up for everyone to see. A world without pictures is hard to imagine. As photojournalists, it's even more critical that we remind ourselves of our responsibility towards the situation and the people we photograph. Respect and empathy for the subjects of photographs are as important as the right lenses. I sincerely believe the foundation will work in this direction while promoting photojournalism.

Danish Siddiqui was a journalist of great empathy, which shone through his work. His talent as a reporter and as an artist was remarkable, but he remained humble and grounded, interested only in the service of his subjects and the story. He was a model of integrity, and an example to young journalists and those of us fortunate enough to work alongside him across South Asia and beyond. It is my firm belief that the foundation will uphold the values Danish stood for and take it forward through their initiatives.

In times when journalism seems to be visibly drifting away from its purpose, the need of the hour is value-based journalism. An emphasis on the principles that drive journalism towards real impact. It is up to us to ensure our future generation of journalists bring news to us in its most factual, authentic, and humane form, without any embellishments or prejudices. This is what photojournalism meant to Danish, and this is what I hope the Danish Siddiqui Foundation will encourage as they nurture new talent.

Value-based journalism is speaking up for the weak and marginalized. It is about raising issues, bringing them to the notice of the authorities, and ensuring accountability. It is also about not trusting any claim at face value but going out and verifying it. The idea should be to report on important but under-reported stories bypassed for various reasons. Value-based journalism needs to be brought back, and I'm sure the Danish Siddiqui Foundation will play a crucial role in doing that with its heart in the right place.

It is crucial for reporters to explore and expose all facets of any argument while using their platforms to amplify the voices of the oppressed and unheard, something that Danish Siddiqui aspired for in his stories. With every report, it is important to ask the question, who did this story empower? It must never be forgotten that Danish died for his work that reflected his belief in value-based journalism. And now, the Danish Siddiqui Foundation is working on this very path; to inspire the next generation of journalists.

Truth-telling has never been an easy duty. Therefore, only the brave take it up. There are tremendous costs to pay. For those who do tell the truth, it is a commitment. The benefits of truth-telling are few, but they are enough, and it belongs to the whole of humanity. Especially to our children who will one day look at the world we leave for them and ask us, ‘Where were you and what were you doing when this was happening. Why didn’t you tell the truth?’. I hope the foundation shall strive to promote such kind of journalism.