Interview with Nidhi Kulpati

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.

#With Ms. Kulpati.