A hospitality graduate who gave up the profession after three years of practice to take up journalism full time. Have since then reported on policy, culture and social justice for leading Indian publications including The Indian Express, Hindustan Times and Network 18. Interested in chasing the under reported, investigating the contrarian view and telling stories through the human lens. Many stories that I have worked on have gone on to create real life impact, leading to systemic policy changes.
Have also led news and editorial operations at India's premier citizen journalism platform Youth Ki Awaaz (YKA) , where I conceptualized a unique model of sourcing narratives through on-ground reporting, and mentored hundreds of aspiring journalists in writing about caste, gender, discrimination and other social justice issues.
Have also conceptualized, managed and led campaigns on some of the most pressing issues of our times for organizations like WHO, UNICEF, Save the Children, Oxfam and The Malala Fund.
Currently, leading the development of YKA's soon to be launched learning platform, besides extensively writing on gender, politics, history, and books. I also regularly write on policy, technology and world affairs for Network 18's business magazine Money Control, and stories on travel, food and culture for a few publications.
On a mission to document the lesser known side of Indian culture - it's food, history, traditions, art practices, people - discovered through travelling its length and breadth for the last decade - on a soon to be launched website.
A storyteller at heart, I am deeply interested in using digital technology and innovative storytelling to power journalism that creates impact. Always up for interesting gigs in journalism, photography, editing and communication. If you've something you need a hand with, feel free to contact me at shikhasharma3486@gmail.com.
