“Namaskar. Main Ravish Kumar.” The Voice That Rewrote Indian Journalism

In an age where headlines scream louder than facts, Ravish Kumar emerges as a beacon of hope. A journalist who refuses to be silenced, he has stood tall against the rising tide of sensationalism, propaganda, and corporate interference in Indian media. Ravish’s journey is one of courage, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth, a narrative that every democracy desperately needs.

A Humble Beginning with a Mighty Voice

Born on 5 December 1974 in Jitwarpur village, Bihar, Ravish grew up far from the bustling newsrooms he would later dominate. After completing his schooling in Patna, he moved to Delhi for higher studies, graduating from Deshbandhu College and later earning a postgraduate diploma in Hindi Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication.

This small-town boy wasn’t chasing fame; he was chasing truth. With that goal in mind, he joined NDTV India in 1994, a move that would not only change his life but transform Indian journalism.

Fearless at NDTV

Ravish’s time at NDTV wasn’t just about reading the news; it was about challenging power. Shows like Prime Time, Hum Log, Ravish Ki Report, and Des Ki Baat became must-watch TV for those craving authentic reporting.

But it wasn’t all accolades and applause. Speaking truth to power made him a target of death threats and smear campaigns. Yet, Ravish didn’t flinch. He refused to bow down to the pressures of corporate overlords or government narratives.

In December 2022, when the Adani Group—a conglomerate with close ties to the ruling party—acquired NDTV, Ravish chose integrity over compromise. His resignation wasn’t a retreat; it was a declaration: journalism must serve the people, not power.

Where most would’ve quieted down, Ravish Kumar turned up the volume. After his departure from NDTV, he found his own stage on YouTube (@ravishkumar.official), where his voice became even louder. With over 12 million subscribers (and counting!), Ravish’s channel is proof that truth still has an audience.

But Ravish isn’t just delivering news, he’s teaching his audience how to think critically. His content is more than just information; it’s a toolkit for understanding the world, all wrapped in his sharp, no-nonsense Hindi. It’s journalism that demands attention, and it’s working.

And when he’s not breaking down complex issues on YouTube, Ravish brings his perspective to Instagram (@ravishndtv), offering fans a more personal connection. His Instagram isn’t just about updates, it’s where he connects on a deeper level with his followers. Whether it’s sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work, engaging in real-time conversations, or offering insights into his daily life, Ravish’s Instagram is a space where his authenticity shines through. It’s where you get the real Ravish – no filters, no fluff, just the truth that’s missing from the headlines.

While We Watched: The Fight for Truth

If you need to understand the stakes of Ravish’s fight, watch While We Watched, the award-winning 2023 documentary by Vinay Shukla. The film offers an intimate, raw look at Ravish’s battle against fake news, plummeting ratings, and newsroom cuts, all while staying true to his principles. It’s more than just a documentary; it’s a gut-wrenching reminder of why independent journalism is essential to democracy. Will Ravish’s voice endure, or will it be drowned in a sea of TRPs and sensationalism?

A Trail of Awards

Ravish’s unflinching commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. Among his many honours:

• The prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award (2019), often dubbed Asia’s Nobel Prize, for “harnessing journalism to give voice to the voiceless.”
• Two-time winner of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award, celebrating his contributions to Hindi journalism.
• Recognised globally with the Freedom of Expression Award (2023) by Belgian universities.

The Man Beyond the Mic

Ravish’s journey isn’t just professional; it’s deeply personal. Married to historian Nayana Dasgupta, with whom he shares two daughters, Tanima and Tanisha, Ravish’s life is grounded in the values he champions – education, truth, and resilience.

Why Ravish Kumar Matters

In a world dominated by clickbait and noise, Ravish Kumar stands tall as a voice of reason. His story isn’t just about journalism, it’s about what it means to fight for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. Whether on YouTube, Instagram or through his books like The Free Voice and Bolna Hi Hai, Ravish reminds us that democracy doesn’t thrive on silence; it thrives on accountability.

So, if you’re tired of the chaos and crave truth, listen to Ravish Kumar. His voice isn’t just that of a journalist, it’s the conscience of a nation still fighting to stay free.

“Dekhate rahiye” (Keep watching), because the battle for truth isn’t over yet!