What was your first job as a journalist?
Independent journalism story for Outlook Traveller
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No
How is social media changing news?
Social media is revolutionizing the way news is shared and consumed. It has drastically changed the traditional methods of news dissemination, allowing news to spread more quickly and to more people than ever before. With a single post or tweet, news can be spread to thousands of people in a matter of seconds. Furthermore, social media has enabled users to create their own news stories, providing a platform for people to share their opinions and experiences with the world. The impact of social media on news is undeniable and shows no sign of slowing down.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Ravish Kumar and MJ Akbar
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a travel journalist means having the opportunity to explore the world and share your discoveries with others. It means uncovering hidden gems and uncovering unique stories that haven't been told before. It's more than just sharing the experience of a destination; it's about uncovering the culture and the people that make the place unique. As a travel journalist, I get to experience cultures, customs and cuisines from around the world and share my discoveries with the world.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
The funniest news related hashtag I have seen is
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Ideally, I like to be pitched stories that are engaging and informative. I prefer stories that are written in an easy-to-understand language with a witty but professional tone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Grammarly and Duplichecker
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish the King of Norway followed me on social media! I'd love to get a royal wave from her every now and then.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I wanted to be a voice for the voiceless, to help people make sense of the world around them and to have a platform to tell stories that matter. Plus, I get to explore new places and meet interesting people—what more could I ask for?
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My story on Varanasi for TravelDine
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
1. Always be curious and ask questions - never take anything at face value.2. Challenge yourself and be willing to learn new skills to stay ahead of the competition.3. Develop strong and reliable sources who can offer reliable information.4. Don't be afraid to push boundaries and take risks in order to bring a unique angle to stories.5. Stay organized and create a system for managing your research, interviews and deadlines.6. Utilize social media to build an audience and engage with readers.7. Remain ethical in your reporting and always double-check your facts before publishing.8. Network and build relationships with other journalists and editors to get your work seen.9. Constantly hone your writing skills and strive for clarity and accuracy in your work.10. Don't be discouraged by rejection – keep pushing forward and find ways to make yourself stand out.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is when I'm feeling creative and open to new ideas. I'm usually most receptive to pitches in the morning when I'm full of energy and enthusiasm.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"Hey there, why not take a chance and let me show you how much fun life can be? I promise you won't regret it!"
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The worst pitch I ever got was from a salesperson who tried to convince me to buy something I didn't need. They made grand promises and had a hard-selling approach, but when it came down to it, their product was not worth the money they were asking. Needless to say, I declined and walked away.
What's your favorite drink?
Dry Martini
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
If I'm not at a computer, you can usually find me exploring the great outdoors, trying out a new hobby, cooking or just spending time with my friends and family.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
My favorite travel publication is National Geographic Traveler. It has a sharp, witty style and provides readers with an in-depth look into some of the world’s most beautiful places. The magazine is filled with stunning photographs and captivating stories that will make you want to grab a passport and explore the world.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The most common misperception about my beat is that it is easy and straightforward. While it may appear to be simple on the surface, there is a lot of complexity and nuance that goes into crafting the stories in my beat. It requires a lot of research, knowledge, and creativity to truly understand and cover the topics properly.
