An Introvert's Bold Leap into Journalism: Read journey of Poonam Agarwal

I’m an introverted girl who likes to be in her cocoon. Being the youngest in the family with two brothers, of course I have been pampered. And growing up in Kolkata had its aura of vibrant and diverse traditions. For my career, journalism was never my first option. I wanted to become a lawyer. Law fascinated me as it gave me the thrill of following a logical process. You know, things like filing, analysing, arguing cases, reaching a conclusion through a rational thought process, and stuff like that. However, some convinced me that pursuing law in Kolkata could be difficult due to the language barrier. So I switched to journalism.

I earned a diploma in journalism from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan and topped at the national level. My performance felt like a validation that I was on the right path. But initially, getting a stable job was difficult. I worked for a few Kolkata-based television and newspaper companies. I applied to all the leading media houses but got no leads. So I thought about moving to Delhi as the headquarters of all the top media houses are in the capital.

It might sound a bit filmy, but I didn’t have any plans. I just booked a railway ticket, packed my bags and boarded for Delhi. I just knew one person in Delhi. He helped me find a PG in South Delhi. Initially, staying in Delhi was claustrophobic and a cultural shock to me as I had never been to Delhi before. I couldn’t get a job in a month, even after hustling day and night. Then, to survive, I took a job at a call centre and simultaneously searched my way towards the media industry. After working for a few small media companies, I finally got a job in NDTV.

After a few months, I joined NDTV, and then there was no looking back. I joined as a rookie reporter and went on to cover landmark stories. My story about exposing the ‘Corruption in Judiciary’ was even taught to LLB students in the Delhi University as a case law based on the Supreme Court’s Judgment. I have worked extensively on exposing the scams between 2009 and 2012.

Journalism was great then. People had respect for the profession. But now, it is sad that such a noble profession is losing its charm. It has become challenging to be neutral and cover news by following the basic principle of showcasing news backed by facts.

Social media troll toxicity is increasing day by day. I’m constantly trolled since 2017. And no matter how much you try to ignore it, these senseless activities do take a toll on your mental health. It might sound strange. But looking at the current scenario, it’s fair to say that you aren’t doing your job honestly if you aren’t trolled.  

It’s due to my profession that I’m on social media. Otherwise, I would be happy to switch to that 1200 rupay ka Nokia ka button wala cellphone. People ask me how I have managed to keep my mind sane after going through all these negativities. My only answer is ‘Workout’. I hit the gym every morning, physical movements heal my mind, it helps me manage the stress and everyday challenges. Anyway, even after all this, I’m still hopeful. And my only advice to aspiring journalists is to follow the core principles of journalism and continue to do your job honestly.

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