From covering wars to founding ANI: Prem Prakash shares secrets of success with budding journalists
The founder of Asian News International (ANI), Prem Prakash, shared his mantras for success in the highly competitive world of media while interacting with journalism students at Jamia Hamdard on Wednesday. The event organised by the Centre for Media and Mass Studies (CMMS) under its flagship series “Media Matters: Connecting People and Public Policy”, drew a packed audience of students, faculty members, and media enthusiasts.
Addressing the gathering, the 95-year-old veteran journalist spoke with clarity and conviction about the essence of good journalism, shedding light on his journey as well. “To become a good journalist, knowledge of history, current affairs, and the economy is a must,” he said, stressing that journalism is not merely about reporting events but about understanding the context behind them. He said in his early days there were no journalism courses, and most journalists were products of the field.
Prem Prakash, who has spent more than seven decades in the profession, recounted his remarkable journey to the founding of ANI in 1971. He said the idea of establishing ANI was driven by his determination to change the negative Western perception of India as merely a “land of snake charmers.”
“The British and the Western media portrayed India through a limited and often prejudiced lens and they do it even today. I wanted to show the world a different, real India: Vibrant, diverse, and progressive,” he said.
He recalled that during its early years, ANI was known as TVNF (Television News Features), India’s first television news feature agency, before being renamed ANI, which went on to become one of the country’s most trusted and influential news agencies.
The session opened with Vice Chancellor Professor Afshar Alam’s welcoming remarks. He lauded Prem Prakash’s lifelong commitment to journalism and his contribution to shaping modern Indian news media through entrepreneurship. “We are fortunate to have such a towering personality among us,” the VC said, while presenting him with a memento and other tokens of appreciation.
Prem Prakash’s illustrious career includes coverage of some of the most defining moments in modern Indian history, such as the 1962 India-China War and the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan Wars. His reportage has also extended beyond borders, as he has covered several global developments that shaped the world’s political landscape.
An author as well as a journalist, Prem Prakash has penned acclaimed books including “Reporting India” and “Afghanistan: The Quest for Peace, The Path of Wars.” His book “Reporting India”, which chronicles his experiences covering India’s historic and political milestones, was formally launched during the event, which was curated and conceptualised by Professor Farhat Basir Khan, a renowned communication scholar, mentor, and author of Game of Votes.
Reshma Nasreen, Director of CMMS, welcomed the dignitaries and shared words of encouragement for the students. She urged them to adopt the ABC mantra: Activism, bravery, and conscience as guiding principles in their journalistic pursuits. “In a world of instant news and digital noise, patience and perseverance are equally vital,” she said.
Professor Khan, in his address, dedicated the event to Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the visionary founder of Jamia Hamdard. He described the Media Matters series as an important initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the media industry by enabling students to engage in meaningful dialogue on journalism, ethics, and public policy.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where students eagerly interacted with Prem Prakash on a range of issues from the future of journalism to the role of Artificial Intelligence in the media industry. The discussion sparked thoughtful exchanges on technology, credibility, and the enduring human element that underpins authentic storytelling.
As the event drew to a close, Jamia Hamdard students left inspired by the veteran journalist’s humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith in the power of truth. “Since the day we were informed about his arrival, our class was excited, and as you can see, the auditorium was jam-packed. It was a lifetime opportunity, and we really enjoyed his talk,” said journalism student Anjum Hayat.
For many, the session was not just a lecture but a master-class in journalistic integrity and perseverance, a reminder that while tools and platforms may change, the soul of journalism will always rest on knowledge, honesty, and courage.
