Bhupendra Singh Sonwal
Verified
(Journalist)
- Journalist, Youth Ki Awaaz
- Founder, Mission Ki Awaaz (Hindi)
- Founder, Mission Ki Awaaz
- Founder, Public Dastak
Jaipur
As seen in:
Mission Ki Awaaz,
Mission Ki Awaaz (Hindi),
Public Dastak,
Youth Ki Awaaz,
VOICEOFHINDU.in
Covers:
I cover social events and political news
Indian Journalist, Artist & Founder @MissionKiAwaaz
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first work in journalism started as an independent digital content creator.
I began by writing and sharing articles on social issues, education, and public concerns through online platforms. That early experience helped me understand audience needs and the power of digital media, which eventually led me to establish Mission Ki Awaaz as a dedicated news platform.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
**Social media is making news faster, more interactive, and more accessible—but also more challenging.**
On one hand, it allows real-time updates, direct audience engagement, and gives a voice to people at the grassroots level. Stories that were once ignored can now reach a wide audience instantly.
On the other hand, it has increased the spread of misinformation, reduced attention spans, and sometimes prioritizes speed over accuracy. Because of this, the role of a journalist has become even more important—to verify facts, provide context, and maintain credibility.
In today’s time, social media is a powerful tool—but responsible journalism is what gives it real value.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent.
I admire his honesty, calm approach, and commitment to truth. Even in difficult situations, he stays grounded and focuses on responsible journalism—qualities I strongly believe in.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a journalist means to serve the truth and the public.
For me, it’s about reporting facts responsibly, asking the right questions, and giving a voice to people who are often unheard. Journalism is not just a profession—it’s a responsibility to inform, educate, and hold systems accountable.
It also means staying ethical, avoiding bias and sensationalism, and focusing on stories that create real awareness and impact in society.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#BreakingButUseless 😄
It perfectly captures those moments when something is labeled as “breaking news” but has little real importance. It’s a light reminder of how news can sometimes get overhyped.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer clear, concise, and relevant pitches.
The best pitches are directly aligned with our focus at Mission Ki Awaaz—especially stories related to social justice, education, governance, youth issues, and grassroots reporting.
A good pitch should quickly explain:
What the story is
Why it matters
What makes it unique or impactful
I prefer a short email or message (around 100–150 words) with a clear subject line. If there’s supporting data, sources, or ground-level insights, that’s always valuable.
Most importantly, the pitch should be genuine, well-researched, and focused on public interest—not promotional or generic.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Mobile & light
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter (X).
It’s fast, real-time, and highly effective for tracking breaking news, public opinion, and engaging directly with people. It helps me stay updated and connected with ongoing conversations that matter.
Who do you wish followed you?
People who genuinely care about real issues and want to stay informed.
I value an audience that is aware, curious, and engaged with social realities—because meaningful journalism works best when readers actively think, question, and participate.
Why did you become a journalist?
**I became a journalist to give a voice to people who are often unheard.**
I have always been deeply interested in social issues and real ground-level problems. Over time, I realized that journalism is one of the most powerful ways to bring those realities forward, create awareness, and influence change.
For me, it’s not just about reporting news—it’s about highlighting truth, questioning systems, and making sure that important issues reach the public. That purpose is what led me to choose journalism.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I did not work for a high school newspaper.
My journey into journalism started later through independent digital platforms. I began by writing and sharing content on social issues and public matters online, which eventually shaped my path into professional journalism.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I’m most proud of the stories that highlight real ground-level issues and give a voice to people who are often ignored.
Rather than one single piece, the work I value most is covering grassroots problems—whether it’s related to education gaps, local governance failures, or social injustice. These stories may not always go viral, but they create real awareness and sometimes even lead to change at the local level.
For me, impact matters more than popularity, and those are the stories I’m truly proud of.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Focus on truth, not trends.
If you’re entering journalism, build a strong habit of verifying facts and understanding issues deeply. Don’t chase viral content at the cost of accuracy—credibility is your biggest asset.
Stay curious and keep learning. Read widely, observe closely, and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions. Real journalism comes from understanding people and situations, not just rewriting information.
Start small but stay consistent. Use digital platforms to share your work, build your voice, and connect with your audience. Over time, consistency creates impact.
Most importantly, remember that journalism is a responsibility. Your work should inform, educate, and give voice to those who are often unheard.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is during working hours, preferably in the morning (9 AM – 12 PM).
That’s when I’m reviewing emails, planning content, and more likely to consider new story ideas. Timely and relevant pitches sent early in the day usually get better attention.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A simple, well-researched, and highly relevant grassroots story idea.
It clearly explained the issue, included real data and on-ground insights, and most importantly, showed why the story mattered to the public. It wasn’t overly long or promotional—just honest, focused, and impactful.
That kind of pitch stands out because it aligns perfectly with meaningful, public-interest journalism.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A completely generic, copy-paste press release with no relevance to our audience.
It didn’t explain why the story mattered, had no real data or ground insight, and was clearly sent to hundreds of outlets without any personalization. That kind of pitch usually gets ignored because it doesn’t align with meaningful, public-interest journalism.
What's your favorite drink?
Tea (chai).
It keeps me refreshed and focused, especially during long working hours and while writing or reviewing content.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Most likely on the ground, interacting with people or exploring real issues.
When I’m not at a computer, I prefer being out in the field—observing, learning, and understanding grassroots realities. That’s where the most authentic stories come from.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I regularly follow publications that focus on in-depth, public-interest journalism. Among them, I appreciate The Wire and The Indian Express for their detailed reporting and analysis.
They offer a mix of ground reporting and thoughtful perspectives, which aligns with the kind of journalism I value.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That grassroots and public-interest journalism isn’t “big” or impactful enough.
Many people assume stories from rural areas, social issues, or local governance don’t matter as much as mainstream headlines. In reality, these stories often have the deepest impact—they reflect real challenges faced by people and can drive meaningful change when highlighted responsibly.
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