What was your first job as a journalist?
Contributing writer in Youth Ki Awaaz
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yup once. Belongs to my daddy. He needed to get something printed out but there was a powercut. So we decided to use a typewriter instead, to type out the application of 3 paragraphs. I typed out 2 sentences. It's fun.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
There are many one can find in India on a daily basis. Choosing one would be an insult to the other.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
It has to be in 2-3 sentences about the story and its importance (newness of the story). It must be backed by proper and relevant data and facts, background and important features of the story. The source must be willing to provide additional information if and when asked for.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Tools as in news aggregators and wire agencies to keep updated with the happenings. Social media to establish connection as it matters a lot for a journalist.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Why did you become a journalist?
Having a technical background gives me a keen sense of observation, analytical approach to any problem statement, and a good sense of Communication and presentation skills. I always had the courage of riding people of ignorance with passion and integrity which a technological landscape couldn't have provided me alone. What a better combination than a techie with a flair for writing having completed masters in mass communication coming out as a journalist!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Not high-school but for my post graduation I was the editor of our newsletter and in another newsletter I was a page designer.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Data oriented stories in the field of Environment and Science including healthcare.
When's the best time to pitch you?
(IST) In the morning hours 9 am - 11am as I first check my email at 9am. Pitching a story on Tuesday and Wednesday are preferable over any other days.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
It was from 21-year-old girl. She didn't even pitch the story and directly started like I have my own set of questions and I would like to answer them... She was completely absurd.
What's your favorite drink?
Mansion House
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Drawing a Mandala Art
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Nytimes, BBC, Reader's Digest, Caravan Magazine
