Book: My NDTV Days
Author: Sanjay Pinto
Publisher: Pan Macmillan India
Pages: 238; Price: Rs 350
Several instances and equal number of questions ran across my mind, when I browsed through this book almost a week before I actually sat to read it and later review. Sanjay Pinto, embarked upon his journalistic journey almost same time when I took the plunge into the world of news. Only difference or divide was the medium, he into audio-visual and me into print. Which was also one of the primary reasons for me to take a pause and think, whether a print media journalist could give full justice to a book review written by someone who has spent most of his life in front of the camera with a boomer?
But, we journalists have always been a curious lot and I can tell you for sure that as much as we are interested in knowing what is happening or has happened in the world, the boomer-equipped aliens are equally on the prowl for any signals emitting from the planet print. So, for me, My NDTV Days was a window to revisit the incidents and see it from an audio-visual reporter’s perspective some of which I myself had either edited in words, placed them on pages, broken my head over appropriate yet catchy headline and felt satisfied next day seeing it in black and white.
The book contains variety of incidents, which also highlights the versatility of the author as journalist. Be it political arena or covering natural calamities to one on one encounter with noted sports personalities, Sanjay has opened it up all for the readers. Every incident mentioned in the book shows different challenges an on field reporter goes through, even at times risking his or her own life.
Just when the book starts to build up upon some heaty issues, ‘My First Vote’ comes like a dash of cool breeze with romance filled in the air. A point where one realises that journalists too have heart and vulnerability for a cupid arrow to strike. This only goes to prove that, it is not always about breaking news but at times melting hearts too.
Rising up to the levels of being a News Editor, before going on a sabbatical break, for few years I was privileged to be at the helm of Sports Desk too. Hence, Sanjay’s narration of few sporty encounters in chapters like ‘Dravid-ian Twist!’ and ‘Googly To Sir Gary Sobers’ personally made an interesting read.
My NDTV Days could certainly be a great quality read for those pursuing their studies in Mass Media and Journalism. Not because it address what one do as a 24X7 audio-visual journalist but rather it speaks volumes about what one should avoid doing as an responsible journalist.
Sanjay’s acceptance of his various on field as well as off field errors as a cub reporter and his progress towards becoming not just seasoned but a journalist of repute highlights his honesty behind this book. One thing that this book undoubtedly offers is the art to learn to unlearn!
