Subharup Das Sharma

My first job as a journalist was as a trainee reporter at a local newspaper. It was a fast-paced introduction to the industry, where I covered everything from community events to local politics. I quickly learned the importance of tight deadlines, accuracy, and how to turn even the smallest story into something engaging for readers. That role taught me the fundamentals of journalism—how to ask the right questions, structure a story, and find compelling angles. Looking back, it was the perfect foundation for everything that followed in my career.

Actually, I’ve never used a typewriter. By the time I started my career, technology had already moved on to computers, and I’ve always relied on modern tools for my writing. However, I do appreciate the historical significance of typewriters and the craft involved in using them. It’s fascinating to think about how journalists of the past shaped stories with such a mechanical process.

Social media is fundamentally reshaping the way news is consumed and shared. It has created a more immediate, direct connection between journalists and their audience, breaking down traditional barriers and enabling real-time updates. Stories now spread faster than ever, and viral moments can shift public discourse in a matter of hours.But with that speed comes a new set of challenges—namely, the pressure to be first rather than accurate, the spread of misinformation, and the challenge of maintaining journalistic integrity amidst the noise. Social media forces journalists to adapt quickly, but it also gives us powerful tools to engage directly with readers, crowdsource stories, and amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard. It’s a double-edged sword, but when used responsibly, it has the potential to enhance the way we tell stories.