Asis Kaur - We Need Stronger Laws That Protect Those Speaking Out the Truth (Journalist From India)

My focus will always be doing honest journalism and being the voice for the weaker and marginalized sections of society. Also to always stand up for what is right in my religion and following the virtuous path that our guru sahib has shown us.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

My journey started in the corporate sector as a BDO, Business Development Officer in an MNC after my graduation. Thereafter I pursued my passion as a public speaker and leadership skills training officer with an international company and also as an Anchor in various cultural programs. This was followed by pursuing my Post Graduation in Journalism and have been continuing in the same field which has become my passion.

2. What is a typical day in your professional life like?

I love what I do, so each day of my work involves making sure that I keep on doing honest journalism and bringing out the ground realities and the best stories that help people know the truth.

3. What is your team like, how do you people function?

My team comprises 4 people each one being equally hardworking and focussed on generating and reporting the best quality news and content.

4. How have you managed to sustain economically?

I’m at that stage of my career wherein what matters the most is the learning and sense of satisfaction that I get from my work and I have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to get both out of my work which is more than any remuneration I would have expected from my profession.

5. Cyberbullying and online harassment are just other aspects of your work despite that what keeps you going?

I have always followed the rule that says you cannot make everyone happy so make sure you are happy with yourself and your work, I have frequently faced Cyberbullying and online harassment however what keeps me going is the love and support of the people at large who have shown a lot of appreciation of what I have been bringing out. Moreover, I have confidence in the work I do so I have not let such things impact my resolve.

6. After the farmer’s protest is over, will you continue reporting and what will your focus then be?

My focus will always be doing honest journalism and being the voice for the weaker and marginalized sections of society. Also to always stand up for what is right in my religion and following the virtuous path that our guru sahib has shown us.

7. According to your experience, what are the different factors that farmers’ protest has sustained despite everything?

Farmers are unique in a way that in this modern and complex world they have managed to remain connected to the ground and the simple ways of life. It is only with their sheer willpower and hard work that they are able to cultivate barren fields, face harsh weather and economic adversities, but still, they manage to bear all of this with a smile on their face.

Apart from this what is astounding is that when you visit the protest sites you will note that the sheer warmth with which they welcome you and make you feel at home. This inherent strength accompanied with the awareness that this is a struggle for their survival has made them overcome all odds and adversities which they have had to face. 

Their morale has further been boosted by the outpour of love and support which they have received from the general public who have come out openly to support the ‘ann datas’.

8. What are your views on the downfall of the media freedom index in India and how can we deal with it?

Media plays a very important role in our democracy and strong and independent media is the key to our growth and empowerment. In case the media gets intimidated is not able to disseminate the truth then we risk losing all that we stand for. We need stronger laws that protect those speaking out the truth.

Press associations should be more proactive in raising these issues and supporting those whose voices the powerful are trying to suppress. We also need to raise the voice of our fellow journalists who are being suppressed or pressurised. 

However, a positive trend in recent times is that social media has provided a platform for the independent press and journalists to get a wider audience with whom the correct facts and stories can be shared with. Hopefully, this shall bring about a revolution wherein it shall become difficult if not impossible to manipulate the facts and to suppress the truth.

Asis Kaur

Ms. Asis Kaur is an independent journalist based out of New Delhi. She has done her graduation from the University of Delhi and Post Graduation in Journalism from Singhania University She has been extensively reporting on the ongoing farm protests at the Borders of Delhi and has received appreciation on a wide scale for her unbiased reporting from the ground level and her ability to connect with the Farmers.

She has also covered the stories of the hundreds of farmers who were arrested during the ongoing protests and their entire journey including the hardships and excesses faced by them. During the ongoing second wave of the COVID Pandemic in India, she has been instrumental in using social media for trying to arrange essential resources such as hospital beds, oxygen cylinders, medicines for those in urgent need of the same.

Interviewed By - Gagan Deep