Shekhar Gupta, a distinguished Indian journalist and author, has left an indelible mark on the media landscape with his extensive career, insightful writings, and the establishment of ThePrint. Born on August 26, 1957, Gupta’s journey is characterised by his commitment to journalistic excellence, leadership, and fostering meaningful discourse.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Gupta’s journey into journalism began at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Palwal, Punjab, where he spent three formative years. He pursued his education further, earning a Bachelor of Journalism degree from Panjab University from 1975 to 1976. In 1977, he embarked on his journalistic career at The Indian Express, laying the foundation for a remarkable professional trajectory.
Stints at The Indian Express and India Today
Gupta’s early years in journalism were spent at The Indian Express, where he worked diligently for six years. During this time, he covered significant events such as Operation Bluestar, the Nellie Massacre in Assam, and the Gulf War in 1991. Subsequently, he joined India Today, contributing to the magazine’s robust coverage and further honing his skills.
Returning to The Indian Express as its editor-in-chief and CEO in 1996, Gupta held this prestigious position for an impressive 19 years until 2015. His leadership played a pivotal role in the newspaper’s journalistic achievements, earning it prestigious awards for outstanding journalism.
ThePrint: A New Chapter in Journalism
In 2014, Gupta briefly joined India Today for two months before embarking on a new venture driven by his entrepreneurial spirit. In August 2017, he founded ThePrint, a digital media platform committed to being “factual and liberal.” Gupta’s vision for ThePrint reflects his dedication to providing accurate, unbiased information amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.
Awards and Accolades
Gupta’s contributions to journalism have been widely recognised and celebrated. In 2009, the Government of India honoured him with the Padma Bhushan, acknowledging his significant impact on the field. Under his leadership, The Indian Express received the International Press Institute’s Award for Outstanding Journalism in the Public Interest three times, recognising its noteworthy coverage of events like the Gujarat riots of 2002 and the Bihar flood relief scam in 2009.
Controversies and Resilience
Throughout his career, Shekhar Gupta has faced challenges, including being named in the supplementary charge sheet of the AgustaWestland chopper deal scam in April 2019. Despite these allegations, Gupta’s resilience and commitment to journalistic integrity remain unwavering.
Literary Contributions
In addition to his editorial and managerial roles, Gupta is also a prolific author, with several books to his name, including “Assam: A Valley Divided,” “India Redefines its Role,” and “Anticipating India: The Best of National Interest.” His writings, both in books and columns, reflect his deep understanding of India’s socio-political landscape.
Conclusion
Shekhar Gupta’s journey through Indian journalism exemplifies his steadfast commitment to truth, ethical journalism, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to lead ThePrint into new frontiers, Gupta’s influence on the media landscape remains profound, embodying the essence of responsible and impactful journalism.