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Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is one of India’s most respected journalists, known for her sharp insights, integrity, and deep coverage of the Northeast region. As a senior journalist at The Wire, she has carved a niche for herself with fearless reporting and extensive research, especially on socio-political issues affecting India’s marginalized communities.

Early Life and Education

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty hails from Assam, a region often underrepresented in mainstream Indian media. Her background gives her a unique perspective and a deep-rooted understanding of issues concerning the Northeastern states.

She completed her education in journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi. Her early exposure to India’s diverse socio-political dynamics laid the foundation for a robust journalism career.

Career in Journalism

Pisharoty began her journalism career at United News of India (UNI) and later moved to The Hindu, one of India’s oldest and most credible English newspapers. She worked there for over two decades, covering a wide range of beats, including politics, health, environment, and human rights.

In her current role as Senior Editor at The Wire, she focuses on in-depth reportage and analysis, often writing long-form pieces that dive deep into issues ignored by mainstream media.

Key Roles:

• Senior Assistant Editor, The Hindu

• Senior Journalist, The Wire

• Contributor to policy journals and international forums

Notable Work and Contributions

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is widely recognized for her book:

"Assam: The Accord, The Discord" (2019) – A powerful exploration of the Assam Accord and the complexities of identity, migration, and politics in the state.

This book is a landmark work that combines historical research with grassroots-level reporting. It sheds light on the NRC (National Register of Citizens), illegal immigration debates, and the cultural anxieties faced by Assamese society.

Some of her widely read articles include:

• Reports on NRC and CAA protests in Assam and other Northeastern states

• Investigative pieces on displacement and insurgency in Northeast India

• Profiles on tribal and indigenous rights

• Stories on gender issues in border regions

Her journalism is praised for being both empathetic and objective, bringing attention to stories from India’s periphery.

Voice for the Northeast

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is often credited with giving a national voice to the Northeast. She challenges the Delhi-centric narrative that dominates Indian media by:

• Covering underreported conflicts and development issues in the Northeast

• Highlighting discrimination faced by people from Northeast in metros

• Critiquing government policies affecting border communities

Her work fills a critical gap in Indian journalism, ensuring inclusion, awareness, and historical context.

Awards and Recognition

Pisharoty’s contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed. While she avoids the media spotlight herself, her work has earned appreciation from:

• Human rights organizations

• Academic institutions

• Civil society movements

She is often invited to speak at journalism seminars, literary festivals, and policy dialogues, where her opinions on media ethics, democracy, and regional representation are highly respected.

Impact on Indian Journalism

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty represents a rare breed of fearless, principled journalists who report with clarity, compassion, and courage. Her balanced approach inspires the next generation of Indian reporters.

She also serves as a role model for women journalists, especially those from underrepresented communities. In an era of media sensationalism and misinformation, her writing remains a beacon of credible storytelling.

FAQs about Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty

Q1: Who is Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty?
A1: She is a senior journalist from Assam, currently working with The Wire. She is known for her in-depth coverage of Northeast India and socio-political issues.

Q2: What is her most notable work?
A2: Her book "Assam: The Accord, The Discord" is considered a definitive account of the Assam Accord and related migration issues.

Q3: Which media organizations has she worked for?
A3: She has worked for The Hindu, The Wire, and United News of India (UNI).

Q4: What topics does Sangeeta Pisharoty often write about?
A4: Her focus areas include migration, identity politics, Northeast India, gender rights, and human rights.

Q5: Why is she important in Indian journalism?
A5: She brings critical Northeast narratives into national discourse and practices ethical journalism with integrity.

Q6: Is she active on social media?
A6: Yes, she uses platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to share her articles and views on current events.

Q7: What is her educational background?
A7: She is an alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi.

Q8: Has she received any awards?
A8: While she maintains a low profile, her journalistic work is widely recognized by rights groups and academia.

Q9: What makes her reporting style unique?
A9: Her reporting combines historical depth with ground-level reality, often giving a voice to marginalized communities.

Q10: Where can I read her articles?
A10: You can read her latest work on The Wire and through her book available on platforms like Amazon.

Conclusion

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is much more than just a journalist—she’s a storyteller, historian, and advocate for the voiceless. Her journey reflects the power of journalism in holding institutions accountable and bringing regional truths to the forefront of national debates.

In an environment where media freedom is constantly tested, journalists like her remind us of the core purpose of journalism: to inform, to question, and to uphold democracy.

Whether you are a journalism student, a researcher, or a curious reader, following her work offers not just information—but insight and inspiration.