I worked in The Times of India for over 10-years in various capacities including the political bureau of TOI. I branched out as an independent journalist and consultant and have remained so for the last 18 years.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I worked in The Times of India for over 10-years in various capacities including the political bureau of TOI. I branched out as an independent journalist and consultant and have remained so for the last 18 years.
2. What is your opinion about press freedom in India?
The Indian press has always been under pressure by the establishment. It is not a new phenomenon. Some buckle, but there are always others that emerge and take on the establishment. The emergence of digital platforms has meant that Indian journalism is no longer the fiefdom of a few business houses, as the barriers to entry are no longer very high.
However, I do find that the mainstream newspapers are by and large balanced, though there are biases that creep in from time to time. But, the audience and readers are not fools and can soon see through attempts to take them for a ride.
3. Who is your favourite journalist and why?
I find Barkha Dutt to be a bold journalist due to the sheer hard work that she puts into her work, especially in her latest independent digital avatar. I liked reading Khushwant Singh, not his books, but his columns as he had a way with the English language and had a very good sense of humour.
4. What do you think about the quality of journalism in India and how can it be improved?
I believe that the quality of journalism in India is quite high. Some journalists are very well informed and do their job quite professionally. However, like in any other profession, there are black sheep in journalism as well.
5. What is your message to all aspiring journalists?
There is no substitute for integrity and hard work. Don't look for shortcuts to money and fame. Do your work the right way: you may or may not be rich and famous, but you will most certainly be a happy and contented person.
6. If you could interview one famous person, who would that be and why?
I have interviewed many famous people. I remember RK Laxman. I was warned that he is very eccentric and has a short temper. But, he spoke to me for over an hour. It was very interesting to spend time with one of the greatest creative geniuses of our time. Another interview I remember is Asha Bhosle as I like all her songs. Dominique Lapiere was another interview I enjoyed.
7. Which is your favourite book and why?
I like all of Chetan Bhagat’s books and also Amish Tripathi. But, my favourite is Ruskin Bond. There is a lot of flavour in his writings with an eye for the quirky which is quite endearing. Among the classics, I like Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen due to its multi-layered handling of human emotions.
- Siddharth Srivastava (Independent Journalist)
Independent Indian journalist based in Vevey, Switzerland, covering foreign and strategic affairs, security, politics, defence, energy, business and lifestyle. Experience over 27-years.
Published in newspapers and magazines across Asia, Europe, USA including The New York Times, Straits Times, Asia Times, Asia Sentinel, SCMP, Jakarta Post, Khaleej Times, Asian Correspondent, among others.
Positions Held: Special Correspondent, The Times of India; Editorial Consultant and Strategic Writer, Siliconeer Magazine; Asia Pacific Correspondent, Interfax; Correspondent, Business Times (Singapore); Senior Writer, Asia Times; India Editor, Word Security Network; Energy Reporter for Edinburg-based Newsbase.
Short-term Consultant for The World Bank, Oxford Analytica and Control Risks. In March 2010, I was invited by the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars of the Smithsonian Institution, Washington to present a paper on Indian Security.
Author of An Offbeat Story, a reality fiction novel set in Delhi NCR.
- Interviewed By Pratibha Sahani
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