I am the Managing Editor of The Logical Indian, an independent and public-spirited digital media organisation.
I was previously a news anchor and senior correspondent with NewsX. At NewsX, I hosted the morning prime time show ‘8 Straight’ and also launched the business show, ‘BusinessX’.
I started my career with the BBC in Scotland after completing my master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Sussex, UK.
Tell us about yourself, your background and what you do currently
I am a broadcast turned digital journalist, currently the Managing editor at The Logical Indian. I started my career about 6 years back with the BBC in Scotland, after finishing my post-graduation in multimedia journalism from the University of Sussex.
I grew up in a quiet and peaceful city of Dehradun and watched a small green town turn into a concrete block over the years. I witnessed the boon and the bane of development first hand, as a mute spectator.
Years later, as the luck would have it, I am finally able to question the cost of such rampant, unsustainable progress.
I studied from the Doon International School in Dehradun, I was the Head girl and Chief Editor of the school Editorial Board. I moved to the national capital to pursue my undergraduate studies from the University of Delhi and later moved to the UK, from where I did my Post graduation.
I am currently managing the Newsroom operations at India’s most trusted digital media organisation. We are a public-spirited media platform that selectively chooses stories that are worthy of your attention and in the interest of the nation.
Tell us about any current projects or initiatives you wish to promote
I identify myself as a feminist.
As a woman from a small town, I have battled patriarchy every single day in my life.
The patriarchal mindset that we see today is radically different from a generation ago. It’s subtle, intrinsic and often disguised, to an extent that women don’t realise they are a victim of it.
It is, therefore, my endeavour to support the cause of a society where women have equal political, social and economic opportunities and rights, whilst also be treated equally in their daily lives
I hope I will get an opportunity to reach out to more women in my home town and other smaller cities, empower and educate them.
As a newswoman, I take a personal interest in calling out fake news, biased opinions and propaganda, especially when it endangers subsistence.
Having worked in TV media organizations which are far-right of centre and often fuel polarizing narratives, I have seen the horrors of selective reporting and fake news first hand and decided to actively denounce such journalism, as and when possible.
In fact, my first TEDx talk in 2018 was on the menace of fake news.
From an organizational point of view, we at The Logical Indian are promoting and actively supporting a number of contemporary issues such as media literacy, using social media for social good, media advocacy, et Cetra.
What has been your biggest challenge in achieving your success?
I am not sure If I am successful or even remotely close to achieving my personal or professional goals, but I have overcome many barriers to be where I am today.
I am a fighter and a survivor, like most independent women in the country. I have had my fair share of failures, self-doubt, bouts of anxiety, and an entire coterie of senior journalists writing me off.
On the fair side of things, I have a solid support system in my family and friends, some of the greatest mentors in the industry and a strong sense of self-belief, that has kept me going.
What has been your greatest achievement personally?
I am happy to be a beacon of hope for many young girls from my home town.
I have had young boys and girls from my alma matter and neighbourhood call me and tell me how they decided to follow my footstep into the media industry. I am glad I have played a part in the career choices of a few youngsters.
If you weren’t doing what you do now, what would you be doing?
I would be a lawyer. Growing up, I had natural advocacy skills, or at least I thought so.
I have always had a strong moral compass, leadership skills and the gift of gab. I comprehended I could put them to good use as a journalist or as as a lawyer.
I am hopeful I will go back to the college one day, sooner rather than later, and will get a chance to read the law.
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
For me, inspiration began at home with my father. He is what you call a modern, secular, liberal man, born in a conservative society. He taught me to love, care and respect everyone, irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, religion or stature. To be accepting, empathetic and compassionate. Values that I hold dear.
Growing up, such values came naturally to me. It was therefore surprising at a later stage in my life, that these values are scarce.
What does the future hold for you?
Once a journalist, always a journalist. I am here to stay.
The intent is to take The Logical Indian to its glory while upholding neutrality, impartiality and independence.
Journalism in the country is under assault. There is little to no trust in media and journalists, because of a select few. The media today is ideologically divided and politically torn. It’s no more about speaking truth to power, it’s about toeing the line.
Journalism must be reclaimed. I am hopeful I will do my bit in restoring the faith in the fourth pillar of the democracy. Until then, it’s a fight.
Twitter: @shwkothari
Instagram – @shwkothari
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/shweta.kothari.18
Email- [email protected]
