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Ravish Kumar: Profile, Bio, Caste, Age, Wife and Family



Introduction to Ravish Kumar
Ravish Kumar, born Ravish Kumar Pandey on December 5, 1974, in Jitwarpur village, East Champaran, Bihar, India, is a celebrated Indian journalist, television anchor, author, and YouTuber. Widely regarded as one of India’s most influential and fearless media personalities, Ravish Kumar has carved a niche for himself in Hindi journalism through his incisive reporting and commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless. His tenure as Senior Executive Editor at NDTV India, where he hosted iconic shows like Prime Time, Ravish Ki Report, Hum Log, and Des Ki Baat, solidified his reputation as a journalist who prioritizes truth over sensationalism. Today, with a thriving YouTube channel boasting over 10 million subscribers (as of May 2024), Ravish continues to redefine journalism in the digital age.
Early Life and Education
Ravish Kumar was born into a modest Bhumihar Brahmin family in Jitwarpur, a small village near Areraj in Bihar’s East Champaran district. His father, Baliram Pandey, and mother, Yashoda Pandey, instilled in him values of humility and perseverance. Growing up in rural Bihar, Ravish’s early exposure to societal challenges shaped his empathetic approach to journalism. He completed his schooling at Loyola High School in Patna, where he developed an interest in history and public affairs.
In 1990, Ravish moved to Delhi for higher education, enrolling at Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, where he pursued a Bachelor’s degree in History. His college years were transformative, with mentors like lecturers Anil Sethi and Rana Bahal guiding him in academics and life skills. Ravish later pursued a Master’s degree in History and an M.Phil. from Delhi University. His academic journey culminated with a postgraduate diploma in Hindi Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), equipping him with the tools to excel in broadcast media.
Career Beginnings at NDTV India
Ravish Kumar’s journalism career began in 1996 when he joined New Delhi Television Network (NDTV), one of India’s premier news networks. Starting as a field reporter, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and unique storytelling style. When NDTV launched its Hindi-language channel, NDTV India, targeting India’s 422 million native Hindi speakers, Ravish found his calling. His fluency in Hindi, coupled with his ability to connect with ordinary people, made him a standout journalist.
Over time, Ravish became the Senior Executive Editor at NDTV India, anchoring flagship programs that tackled pressing socio-political issues. His shows—Prime Time, Ravish Ki Report, Hum Log, and Des Ki Baat—became household names, known for their in-depth research, balanced reporting, and focus on underreported stories. From covering the struggles of manual scavengers to exposing inefficiencies in India’s railway system, Ravish’s journalism resonated with the masses.
Signature Style and Impactful Journalism
What sets Ravish Kumar apart is his distinctive anchoring style—sober, incisive, and devoid of the theatricality often seen in Indian newsrooms. Unlike many contemporaries who prioritize ratings through sensationalism, Ravish emphasizes fact-based reporting and well-rounded discussions. His Prime Time show, in particular, gained acclaim for its 20-episode-long investigations into issues like underfunded schools and displaced farmers.
Ravish’s commitment to “people-based journalism” earned him the moniker “the voice of the voiceless.” He often interacted with the poor, traveled extensively to uncover grassroots stories, and used social media to stay connected with his audience. His studio, which he called “the people’s newsroom,” reflected his belief that journalism should serve the public, not power.
However, his fearless critique of the Indian media landscape and the government came at a cost. Following the rise of Narendra Modi’s government in 2014, Ravish faced harassment, trolling, and death threats from partisan groups. Yet, he remained steadfast, using his platform to challenge misinformation and uphold journalistic integrity.
Departure from NDTV and Transition to YouTube
On November 30, 2022, Ravish Kumar resigned from NDTV India, a day after the channel’s founders, Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy, stepped down from the board of RRPR Holding Private Limited amid a takeover by billionaire Gautam Adani. His exit marked the end of a 26-year association with NDTV, a period during which he became synonymous with ethical journalism.
Undeterred, Ravish embraced the digital era by launching “Ravish Kumar Official” on YouTube. His channel quickly gained traction, reaching 10 million subscribers by May 5, 2024—a testament to his enduring influence. Free from corporate constraints, Ravish now delivers unfiltered news and analysis, continuing his mission to inform and educate. His YouTube content retains the same rigor and authenticity that defined his television career, making him a pioneer in India’s digital journalism space.
Personal Life: Family and Interests
Behind the public persona, Ravish Kumar is a family man. He is married to Nayana Dasgupta, a history professor at Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi. The couple met during Ravish’s M.Phil. days at Delhi University and dated for seven years before tying the knot, overcoming familial opposition due to their different cultural backgrounds—Ravish being a Bhumihar Brahmin and Nayana a Bengali. They have two daughters and maintain a low-profile personal life.
Beyond journalism, Ravish is an avid writer and chess enthusiast. He has authored several books, including The Free Voice: On Democracy, Culture and the Nation (2018), Ishq Mein Shahar Hona (a Hindi collection of micro-fiction), and Bolna Hi Hai. His blog, naisadak.blogspot.com, showcases his reflective side, while his love for chess offers a glimpse into his strategic mind.
Awards and Recognitions
Ravish Kumar’s contributions to journalism have earned him numerous accolades:
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award (2019): Often called Asia’s Nobel Prize, this honor recognized him as the fifth Indian journalist to receive it, celebrating his transformative leadership in media.
  • Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award: Won twice (2013, 2017) for Best Journalist of the Year in the Hindi broadcast category.
  • Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award (2010): For Hindi journalism and creative literature, awarded in 2014.
  • Kuldip Nayar Journalism Award (2017): The inaugural recipient for his outstanding work.
  • Gauri Lankesh Award for Journalism: Acknowledging his courage in the face of adversity.
  • Honorary Title for Freedom of Expression (2023): Conferred by Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Université libre de Bruxelles on World Press Freedom Day.
In 2016, The Indian Express listed him among India’s 100 most influential people, and the Mumbai Press Club named him Journalist of the Year.
Legacy and Influence
Ravish Kumar’s legacy transcends awards. His unwavering stand against media bias and political pressure has inspired a generation of journalists and citizens to question the status quo. The 2022 documentary While We Watched, directed by Vinay Shukla, chronicles his struggles and triumphs, winning the Amplify Voices Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. It portrays Ravish as a lone warrior in a crumbling media landscape, a narrative echoed by his own words: “If you have become the voice of the people, you are a journalist.”
Top 10 FAQs About Ravish Kumar
  1. Who is Ravish Kumar?
    Ravish Kumar is an Indian journalist, TV anchor, author, and YouTuber, best known for his work at NDTV India and his current digital presence on YouTube.
  2. What is Ravish Kumar’s date of birth?
    He was born on December 5, 1974, in Jitwarpur village, East Champaran, Bihar, India.
  3. What shows did Ravish Kumar host on NDTV India?
    He anchored Prime Time, Ravish Ki Report, Hum Log, and Des Ki Baat, among others.
  4. Why did Ravish Kumar leave NDTV?
    He resigned on November 30, 2022, following the exit of NDTV founders Prannoy Roy and Radhika Roy amid a takeover by Gautam Adani.
  5. What awards has Ravish Kumar won?
    Notable awards include the Ramon Magsaysay Award (2019), Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award (2013, 2017), and the Kuldip Nayar Journalism Award (2017).
  6. Is Ravish Kumar married?
    Yes, he is married to Nayana Dasgupta, a history professor, and they have two daughters.
  7. What is Ravish Kumar’s YouTube channel about?
    “Ravish Kumar Official” provides news, analysis, and commentary, reaching over 10 million subscribers as of May 2024.
  8. What books has Ravish Kumar written?
    His works include The Free Voice, Ishq Mein Shahar Hona, and Bolna Hi Hai, among others.
  9. Where did Ravish Kumar study?
    He graduated from Deshbandhu College, University of Delhi, and earned a postgraduate diploma in Hindi Journalism from IIMC.
  10. Why is Ravish Kumar considered influential?
    His fearless reporting, focus on marginalized voices, and critique of media bias have made him a beacon of ethical journalism in India.

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