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| Dhanya Rajendran, Jouranlist |
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| Dhanya Rajendran with Husband Vignesh Vellore |
Dhanya Rajendran is a name synonymous with fearless journalism, digital innovation, and advocacy for marginalized voices in India. As the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The News Minute, a leading digital news platform focusing on South India, she has carved a niche in the competitive world of Indian journalism. With over two decades of experience spanning print, television, and online media, Dhanya has emerged as a powerful voice, championing issues like gender equality, human rights, and political accountability. This biography delves into her early life, career milestones, personal struggles, and lasting impact on the media landscape, offering a comprehensive look at one of India’s most influential journalists.
Early Life and Education: Roots in Kerala
Dhanya Rajendran was born and raised in Palakkad, Kerala, a town known for its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Growing up in a middle-class family, she developed an early curiosity about the world around her, which would later shape her career as a journalist. Her schooling at Kanikkamatha Convent School in Palakkad laid the foundation for her academic journey. She went on to pursue higher education at Government Victoria College, Palakkad, where her interest in storytelling and social issues began to take root.
Recognizing her passion for communication, Dhanya enrolled at the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) in Chennai. The ACJ experience was transformative, equipping her with the skills to navigate the fast-paced world of journalism. Her education blended theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, setting the stage for a career that would influence millions.
The Beginning of a Stellar Career
Dhanya Rajendran’s journalistic journey began in 2003 when she joined India Vision, Kerala’s first 24-hour news channel. As a young reporter, she honed her skills in live reporting and breaking news, gaining firsthand experience in the dynamic environment of broadcast media. Her stint at India Vision was brief but impactful, exposing her to the complexities of regional news coverage.
In 2004, Dhanya moved to Chennai to join The New Indian Express, a leading English-language newspaper. Her 11-month tenure at the publication allowed her to sharpen her writing and investigative skills, covering a range of topics from politics to human interest stories. This period marked her transition from television to print journalism, broadening her perspective on storytelling.
Her big break came in 2005 when she joined Times Now, a prominent English news channel. Starting as a reporter, Dhanya quickly rose through the ranks to become the South India Bureau Chief. Based in Bengaluru, she covered significant events across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. Her incisive reporting and ability to connect with diverse audiences earned her recognition as a formidable journalist during her nearly decade-long tenure at Times Now.
Founding The News Minute: A Digital Revolution
In 2014, Dhanya Rajendran embarked on her most ambitious venture yet—co-founding The News Minute alongside her husband, Vignesh Vellore, and veteran journalist Chitra Subramaniam. The digital news platform was born out of a desire to address a glaring gap in Indian media: comprehensive coverage of South India. While national outlets often overlooked regional stories, The News Minute aimed to amplify voices from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Under Dhanya’s leadership as Editor-in-Chief, The News Minute grew from a startup to a trusted source of news, boasting over 6.5 million unique monthly visitors within a few years. The platform’s focus on in-depth reporting, ground-level journalism, and analysis set it apart in a crowded digital space. From covering natural disasters like the Kerala floods to exposing electoral fraud in Karnataka, Dhanya ensured that The News Minute became a beacon of credible journalism.
Her entrepreneurial spirit was recognized in 2018 when she was named one of India’s top entrepreneurs in Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list. The accolade underscored her ability to blend journalism with business acumen, a rare feat in an industry often driven by legacy media houses.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Excellence
Dhanya Rajendran’s contributions to journalism have earned her numerous accolades. In 2017, she was honored as the Namma Bengaluru Media Person of the Year, a testament to her impact on Bengaluru’s media landscape. In 2022, she received the prestigious Chameli Devi Jain Award for Outstanding Woman Journalist, recognizing her fearless reporting and leadership at The News Minute. That same year, the Mumbai Press Club awarded her the RedInk Journalist of the Year for her team’s investigation into voter data tampering during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections—a scoop that led to significant electoral reforms.
These awards highlight Dhanya’s commitment to uncovering truth and fostering accountability, qualities that have defined her career. Her work has not only elevated The News Minute but also inspired a new generation of journalists, particularly women, to pursue impactful storytelling.
Advocacy for Women in Media
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Dhanya Rajendran has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in journalism. She is a member of the Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI), an organization dedicated to supporting female journalists. Her personal experiences with online harassment have fueled her activism, making her a prominent voice in the fight against misogyny in media.
In 2017, Dhanya faced a torrent of abuse from fans of Tamil actor Vijay after tweeting a critical opinion about his film Mersal. The backlash escalated into over 63,000 tweets, many laced with threats and sexist remarks. Undeterred, she filed a complaint with Chennai’s cybercrime police, leading to an FIR under multiple legal sections, including the IT Act and the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act. The incident drew support from the NWMI, the International Federation of Journalists, and even Vijay, who urged his fans to stop the harassment.
Dhanya has also spoken out about broader issues affecting women journalists. Following the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in 2016, she wrote about being molested by a security guard while covering elections—a piece that sparked conversations about workplace safety. During the 2018 Sabarimala protests, she condemned the harassment faced by female reporters, famously stating in 2019, “If you touch one of us, we will retaliate. No longer your fiefdom,” in support of a colleague targeted at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club.
Her advocacy extends to the #MeToo movement in India, where she used The News Minute to amplify survivors’ stories and critique sensationalism in crime reporting. Dhanya’s stance reflects her belief that journalists must prioritize ethics over voyeurism, especially in cases of sexual violence.
Personal Life: Balancing Passion and Family
Dhanya Rajendran is married to Vignesh Vellore, her co-founder at The News Minute. Their partnership is both professional and personal, rooted in a shared vision for journalism. While details about her family life remain private, her social media presence—where she has over 82,000 Twitter followers—reveals a blend of wit, resilience, and relatability. She often describes herself as a “chilled aatma” (calm soul), a contrast to the high-stakes world she navigates daily.
Living in Bengaluru, Dhanya balances her demanding career with her role as a mother and partner. Her ability to juggle these responsibilities while leading a growing media organization underscores her strength and determination.
Leadership and Legacy at The News Minute
As Editor-in-Chief, Dhanya Rajendran has steered The News Minute toward a model of journalism that prioritizes depth over sensationalism. The platform’s coverage of underreported issues—like climate disasters, federalism, and child sexual abuse—has earned it a loyal readership. Her investigation into Karnataka’s voter data fraud in 2022 exemplifies her commitment to democracy, prompting the Election Commission to overhaul voter list protocols.
Dhanya also serves as the founding chairperson of DigiPub, India’s largest association of digital news outlets, amplifying her influence in the digital media ecosystem. Her leadership has positioned The News Minute as a counter-narrative to mainstream outlets, proving that regional stories deserve national attention.
Challenges and Resilience
Dhanya’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. Online trolling, professional pressures, and the financial challenges of running an independent news portal have tested her resolve. Yet, her response to adversity—whether filing police complaints or mentoring young journalists—reflects a resilience that inspires others. She once reflected on attending the International Press Institute conference in Vienna in 2021, noting how hearing global editors discuss similar threats made her feel less alone in her struggles.
The Future of Dhanya Rajendran and Indian Journalism
As of February 22, 2025, Dhanya Rajendran continues to shape Indian journalism through The News Minute. With plans to explore subscription models and expand coverage, she remains at the forefront of digital innovation. Her legacy lies not just in awards or headlines but in her unwavering dedication to truth, equity, and South India’s untold stories.
For aspiring journalists, Dhanya’s career offers a roadmap: blend passion with purpose, embrace technology, and never shy away from a fight. Whether you’re researching “Dhanya Rajendran journalist” or “The News Minute founder,” her story is a testament to the power of persistence in a changing media world. What’s your take on her impact? Share your thoughts below!
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