Top Journalists of India

A Journalist aims to provide citizens with reliable information to help them make the best possible decisions about their lives, communities, societies, and governments. Journalism acts as a watchdog in our democratic society holding the corrupt accountable. India has a lot of noteworthy journalists whose utmost honesty, grit, and perseverance make them the best. Here’s to the best Journalists of India who have changed the face of Journalism in India.

“Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by judging the freeness of speech” ~ Benjamin Franklin. 

How to become a Journalist?

Prannoy Roy

Born in 1949, Prannoy Roy is a well-known Indian economist, chartered accountant, psephologist, author, and journalist. He is also the executive co-chairperson of NDTV. Prannoy Roy did his graduation in 1973 from the Queen Mary University of London with first-class honors in economics. He also became a CA and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1975. He continued his studies in India and obtained a PhD in agricultural economics from the Delhi School of Economics in 1978. In 2015, he was awarded the Red Ink award by Mumbai Press Club for lifetime achievement for his consistent and pioneering contribution to news television and his service to journalism. He is also credited for pioneering opinion polls in India. 

Did you know? NDTV was the first independent news network in India.

Barkha Dutt

Born in 1971, Barkha Dutt is an Indian television journalist. She graduated from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi with a degree in English literature and further received a Master’s in Mass Communications from Jamia Millia Islamia Mass Communication Research Center, New Delhi. She has also obtained a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University. Her frontline war reporting of the Kargil conflict in 1999, including an interview with the Shershah- Captain Vikram Batra, brought her to fame in India. She’s also a Padma Shri. 

Gauri Lankesh

Born in 1962, Gauri Lankesh was an Indian journalist-turned-activist who passed away in 2017. She started her career with The Times of India and later worked as a correspondent for the Sunday magazine for 9 long years. She was prominent for advocating freedom of the press in India. She wrote about the corrupt and wrongdoings of Congress, BJP, and was highly critical of the caste system. On 5 September 2017, Gauri Lankesh was shot dead by 3 unidentified men at her residence in Bangalore. Her brutal honesty is what made her stand out among other Journalists of India.

Rajat Sharma

Aap ki Adalat with Rajat Sharma– The name says it all! Born in 1957, Rajat Sharma is a renowned journalist and the Chairman and Editor-in-chief of INDIA TV. He did his higher studies at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC). He has interviewed more than 750 guests on his show- Aap Ki Adalat which is currently the longest-running show in India’s television history. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India for his contributions to Journalism. 

Ravish Kumar

Born in 1974, Ravish Kumar is a prominent Indian journalist, author, and media personality. He’s also the Senior Executive Editor of NDTV. He obtained his graduation from the University of Delhi and later enrolled in a post-graduate diploma in Hindi Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He has received various awards for his work in journalism including the Ramon Magsaysay Award which is awarded by the Government of the Philippines.

Karan Thapar

Born in 1955, Karan Thapar is an Indian journalist, news presenter, and interviewer. He pursued his higher studies abroad and graduated with a degree in Economics and Political Philosophy from Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1977. He has also obtained a doctorate in International Relations from St Antony’s College, Oxford. He has been awarded several awards for excellence in the field of journalism.

Nidhi Razdan

Born in 1977, Nidhi Razdan is an Indian journalist, television personality, and the former executive editor of NDTV. She graduated from Lady Shri Ram College and later pursued a Post-Graduate Diploma in Radio and TV Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication in Delhi. She has received several awards for her contribution to journalism including the International Press Institute Award for excellence in journalism for the Kathua rape and murder case expose.  

Rajdeep Sardesai

Born in 1965, Rajdeep Sardesai is an  Indian news anchor, reporter, journalist, and author. He graduated with a degree in economics from the St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai and then went to University College, Oxford, to obtain the degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Laws. Rajdeep Sardesai was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2008. He’s well-known for writing books such as 2014: Chunav jisne bharat ko badal diya (The election that changed India), 2019: How Modi Won India, and more. 

Journalism is not as easy a feat as we think it may be. There are a lot of factors involved while covering a news piece, either in print or digital, one must be vigilant and honest to succeed in the field of journalism. Are you aspiring to become a Journalist but don’t know where to start? If yes, then reach out to Leverage Edu experts for quick guidance. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minutes counseling session now! Follow Leverage Edu on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, and LinkedIn to get more riveting content.