Journalists are a mirror of the society!
Says Nidhi Kulpati Anchor NDTV India, who
hosts ‘Badi Khabar’ and the newly launched campaign, ‘Vote ka Dum’.
Q1) How has the journey been for you as a female journalist?
I have loved my journey. It has sustained me all these years. It is my source of bread and butter. Also, journalism gave me my space when I felt lonely. I have always learned and grown through this profession. Every time when I’m in a studio or somewhere out reporting, it is a new experience. Something I really like about this profession is that it is not monotonous; it offers new things every time.
Q2) Most prominent quality a budding journalist should
have?
Undoubtedly, a budding journalist should have an interest in
the society. Be it any kind of journalism (political, environmental, social
etc.), one needs to be receptive towards what is happening in the society. A
budding journalist should associate, empathise and relate with the
surroundings.
Q3) As a female journalist, what is the best way for
propagating women empowerment in India?
Education indeed is the best way for propagating women
empowerment. I have done shows and reports pertaining to women. And what I have
learnt is, women need to be educated and we need to make them aware where they
stand. I have been to Iran and
women there are liberal at their homes but not outside. Here, in India, women
are liberal but we need to channelize it and uplift women.
Q4) How do you feel when you come across cases of
atrocities on women? What’s your first reaction?
It is
definitely humiliating. And this is something not new. Ten years back too,
women felt humiliating when they travelled in buses. I would request all women
and girls to raise their voice speak out and be open and only then will we see a
change.
Q5) How beneficial is reading for a career in journalism?
Most important! Reading is the most important thing.
Journalism is not about glamour, it is about hard work. Being knowledgeable and aware are two must
have’s for journalism. The more you read, the more you know and the more you
report.
Q6) what extent do you think India has transformed
since independence?
The change in the society has been very slow. People here
flout rules and there is a lack of chang in the system. There is no system to
change these people so I believe we need to get that system. We got a beautiful
‘loktantra’ but we couldn’t sustain it and that’s extremely disappointing. Now,
a change is needed. We want that change so we have to work towards getting that
change.
Q7) How do you see the perspective of the present Indian
society towards women/ girl child?
The
perspective towards women needs to change and it is changing. Today, mothers
are speaking out for their daughters and stand for themselves. The change in
women needs to be highlighted and they should be encouraged to speak for
themselves and their voices should not be suppressed.
Q8) What would you say about the Indian education
system?
It is good
but it needs to be overhauled. Teachers should be trained in a manner that they
are able to get more children to interact in the classroom. Practical reality and practical applications
of the concepts taught to students need to be brought in.
Q9) Do you think journalism today has become intrusive?
Journalism is a new profession, it is not highly evolved. It
needs time to evolve and it is evolving. Though, I won’t say it is intrusive
because journalism is very important, it makes people aware and educates them.
Though I feel that self-regulation is lacking and that needs to evolve.
Q10) Today we have too much information. Do you think we
need so much?
There are a
lot of scams and corruption so there is a lot of news. It depends on how you
perceive it. Media creates psyche of people. Media samaaj ka aaina hota hai.
Q11) A message for the youth?
Love your country and have pride in it. We need to work as a
nation. We need to get that positive outlook that will scale us up as a nation
and also as individuals.
RAPID
FIRE
Q1) One lesson fame has taught you?
To be grounded.
Q2) Who is a better journalist? A good speaker or a
person who is better informed?
Definitely a better informed person, but at the same time a
person also one needs to be a good speaker, because, if you don’t speak, you
cannot convey your point through the media.
Q3) Who do you give credits to, for your journalistic
talent?
My Parents and the profession as it has helped me grow.
Q4) If you become the CM of Delhi, what would be your
first move?
Work on sanitization.
Q5) The best de- stressor?
Exercise.
Q6) Your favourite dessert?
Chocolate!
Q7) The best thing about media as a profession?
It makes you go on and feel young.
Q8) One quality you admire about yourself?
I like to work hard. Also my multi tasking skills!
Q9) Do you crumble under pressure?
Never. I become a goon in stressful situations which
stresses me out later!!
Q10) Anything you’d like to change about yourself?
I wish I were more forthcoming, tech savvy and had read more
as a child.
