‘It takes courage, hard work and integrity to be remembered as a great journalist’

Young journalists may be drawn to the glamour and perks of being close to power. However, the journalists who make a lasting impact are the ones who stay focused on the stories that matter. Stand with the oppressed and marginalized, not with the powerful or the government. Seek out stories that reveal the truth, not just those that serve official narratives

Shahnawaz Akhtar is the Managing Editor of eNewsroom India, an independent media organization, with no corporate or political links. With over 22 years of experience across four Indian states—Jharkhand, West Bengal, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh—as well as China, Akhtar has worked with The Telegraph, IANS, DNA, and China Daily Website. He has contributed to major platforms like Al Jazeera English, Scroll, and BOOM Live. He specializes in human interest stories, hate crimes, and narratives that give a voice to the people, especially in the margins. In conversation with Amit Sengupta, Editor, timesheadline.in 

Tell us about eNewsroom India. Why did you start it? When, where, and how?

eNewsroom India is an independent media organization based in Kolkata. In 2015, I got the opportunity to work with China Daily’s website. By then, I already had over a decade of experience in journalism, having worked with several prominent media houses, both in India and globally, including writing for Al Jazeera English, Rediff, and working with DNA, IANS, and The Telegraph. 

However, after spending a year in China, I realized that there were not many opportunities for journalists who wanted to report on politics, government policies, and human interest stories focused on human rights and social justice. The media landscape in India had also shifted by that time, with the mainstream media increasingly mirroring the same trends I had witnessed in China. That is when I decided to establish an independent platform. 

My wife, Shabina Akhtar, who is also a journalist, joined me, and, later, two other journalists, Nasreen Khan and Sucheta Chakraborty, who shared our vision, came on board. We cover stories from four states—West Bengal, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. 

Now, after almost eight years, eNewsroom is part of the DigiPrism Media Foundation, a Section-8 Company, and a member of the DigiPub News Media Foundation. We are also registered with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The foundation has three directors—Shabina Akhtar, Bimal Sharma, and myself.

With no corporate or political funding, how do you sustain yourself and the media portal?

Yes, in almost a decade of eNewsroom’s existence, we have not taken advertisements from corporate houses or funding from political parties. Our first rule is to keep expenses to a minimum, and we encourage our readers to support us. Some are regular supporters, others contribute annually, and a few make one-time donations. The cycle continues, and eNewsroom survives. 

In the early days, we funded it from our own pockets. Of course, there are times when the financial situation becomes challenging. That is why we are looking to expand our public support and seek backing from corporate houses willing to support us financially, but without interfering in editorial decisions. Funds would allow us to report more stories from the ground and rural interiors, especially those related to pressing public concern issues.

You do remarkable local stories, especially from Jharkhand. Both, stories from the ground and stories from Jharkhand are usually missing in mainstream media. Tell us about it.

Jharkhand is my home state, and I still feel deeply connected to the people and issues there. During my eight years with The Telegraph, I covered stories from some of the most remote parts of the state, building contacts with every section of society. I love doing ground reports, and Jharkhand’s stories are among the most compelling for me. I often find that stories from this region are under-reported or misrepresented in mainstream media, and that is one reason I focus on them.

eNewsroom has reported almost all the mob-lynching incidents that occurred in Jharkhand. I visited most of the victim’s families, whether it was the Gupta family of Jamshedpur, Alimuddin’s in Ramgarh, Tabrej’s in Saraikela-Kharsawan, or the Khans in Latehar.

What are your thoughts on reporting from the ground, especially in difficult circumstances?

I began my career as a district correspondent with The Telegraph in 2002. For eight years, I reported from the field every day. It was a time of great change in Jharkhand—socioeconomically and politically—as the state had just been carved out of Bihar. 

I was posted in Giridih, a Naxal-affected area, and covered several major incidents between 2002 and 2010, including the Bhelwaghati massacre, the Homeguard Training Centre loot, and the Chilkhari massacre. I vividly remember reaching the Bhelwaghati site ahead of the police. During the initial reports, I identified that 16 villagers, and not 9, had been killed. 

During the Chilkhari massacre, I was en route to Ranchi when I heard the news and immediately turned back. Similarly, during the Homeguard rifle loot case, we were the first to reach the site. I also covered India’s 9/11—the 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai—where victims from Jharkhand were involved. I was tasked with reporting from three cities—Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Giridih.

In recent years, Muslim journalists have faced a hostile environment for reporting stories like lynchings and hate crimes. So, whenever a lynching happens, while it’s crucial to file stories, it becomes very difficult to reach the victims. I believe journalism is all about capturing the ground realities and narrating the situation as it unfolds.

What are the special stories you have done that you are particularly proud of?

I have reported on several unique stories, also stories which had impact. One that stands out was covering elections in Naxal-stronghold areas, where there was zero polling due to threats from the banned outfit. The large paramilitary forces sent to conduct polls left that polling station only two hours after polling began. One can imagine how difficult it is for locals to defy the Naxalite groups in such areas. 

I have reported on the serious issue of pollution caused by sponge iron factories, which was linked to the birth of blind babies. The story made an impact, and the Jharkhand government not only got the babies treated, but also shut down several sponge iron factories. 

More recently, I reported on the arrest of Jharkhand journalist Rupesh Kumar. After my report, the story was picked up by the national media, and it was condemned by United Nations officials as well. I have extensively covered the Faizan Ahmed murder case at IIT Kharagpur, shedding light on the investigation and the social dynamics surrounding it.

What is the editorial policy of eNewsroom?

We practice old-school journalism and uphold editorial independence. Our approach is pro-people, focusing on reporting from the perspective of the common man, rather than relying on official versions of events. We strive to tell stories that matter to people—stories they can relate to—rather than simply repeating the narratives shaped by authorities.

How do you view the future of mainstream and independent journalism in India?

The mainstream media has largely lost its focus. There is hardly any ‘real journalism’ happening. While it may seem large due to its vast resources, much of its content today is centered around big cities and power centers, major incidents, press conferences and interviews, with very little on-the-ground reporting, or people-centric stories. 

The independent media, instead, has carved out its space in India’s democratic fabric and will continue to thrive despite challenges like government censorship and financial constraints. The passion and commitment of serious journalists to uphold the ethics and values of journalism will ensure its survival and growth. Public support for independent media is increasing and will continue to do so.

What would be your message to young, budding journalists?

Young journalists may be drawn to the glamour and perks of being close to power. However, the journalists who make a lasting impact are the ones who stay focused on the stories that matter. Stand with the oppressed and marginalized, not with the powerful or the government. Seek out stories that reveal the truth, not just those that serve official narratives. 

Indeed, it takes courage, hard work and integrity to be remembered as a great journalist.

Picture 2 : Shabina Akhtar, Bimal Sharma and Shahnawaz Akhtar.

Picture 5 : Santhal adivasi woman in Madhupur, Jharkhand. Photo by Amit Sengupta.