meet with Siddharth Vardarajan.n.

By: Hakeem Irfan

I had an informal conversation with Associate Editor of Hindu two years back at a hotel in Srinagar. Here are the excerpts of our conversation.

Hakeem Irfan:- You have a degree in Economics. Why didn’t you opt for Business Journalism?

Siddharth Vardarajan:- When I came back in 1995 I realized that Business Journalism has turned into Corporate Journalism in India and I was not comfortable with that. I was interested in “Macro Economic Issues”. I thought I should carve a niche some where and I joined TOI as an Assistant Editor.

HI:- You left TOI after nine long years in 2004, was time fatigue a reason for your departure from TOI or…?

SV:- You can’t call it a fatigue but Times of India had Pro Liberalization Policy and it was furthering by the every passing day. I myself could not go in tune with that, and I felt saturation there. I mean I was feeling frustrated for lack of space in Times of India and also Nine years in an organization are enough. Interferences from the management and perceived political differences were also a stumbling stone for my continuation at TOI. But after I left TOI improved a lot.

HI:- Why was Hindu a choice after TOI?

SV:- The Hindu allows you to go in detail and do an in depth analysis. Although you have to be ready for regular clashes with your editors everywhere but at Hindu its not that problematic. Besides Hindu provides a reasonable space for the development issues which of course are not sensational or glamorized.

HI:- Being associated with two reputed Dailies of India how do you see a “good journalist” or “ the journalist”?

SV:- Journalists have to do “cost and benefit analysis” and always try to take the cost of him or her much higher. He or she should be able to carve a niche which is safe enough to be reached to by any of the interests. Try to be impartial and it will be difficult for any body to mess with you. This is the mantra for conflict zones specially. This will strengthen your credibility and what else you need for being a good journalist.

HI:- Being well versed with the politics of the Sub continent why was there a major change in the attitude of Pakistan and India at the quay of 21st century?

SV:- Change in the attitude came because of Kargil and Parikram, it was realized by both the countries that this is not the way to resolve conflicts. These operations have in turn opened way for peaceful resolution. This is an optimistic stage and both the countries should try to carry it for long period.

HI:- What in your opinion are the achievements of the on going Peace process between the two Sub continental Nuclear Powers?

SV:- India and Pakistan have reached a common vocabulary and definitions which is an achievement as for as the peace process is concerned. I think this should be appreciated.

HI:- Is there some missing link in the ongoing peace process and Round Tables?

SV:- Unconditional Dialogue with the parties is the need of hour. If Governent of India can talk with other groups from different parts of India why only Kashmir is the bone of contention? GoI has to internalize peace process which is to bring genuine Kashmiri sentiment on the table. GOI has to invite Hizbul Mujahideen for unconditional talks if at all they think that the round tables and peace process should be a positive process as for as solving Kashmir conflict is concerned. Sense of accounting, Peace with justice and proper reconciliation is the need of hour.

HI:- How do you see the future of India and Pakistan as Nuclear Neighbors?

SV:- Nuclear power with both the countries has diminished the chances of war. Likely hood of war is more unlikely now. Future belongs to peace and they have to go back and think on it very seriously as soon as possible.

HI:- Which moment you always cherish in your life?

SV:- Feed back is solace for me and that too when you come to know you have touched chord of some one who you don’t know. It is some thing like out of this world feeling. You feel elated.

HI:- Do you think Musharaf politics is in tune with the present situation in Pakistan visa vi Kashmir?

SV:- Look Musharaf is a creative person but he runs ahead of curve as well. He has to be very sensible in taking the steps especially in conditions presently prevailing in Pakistan.

HI:-What do you think about these Round Tables organized by New Delhi?

SV:- I think... (a little pause) they should talk with those who disagree with their (New Delhi’s) viewpoint. They should try to involve every body to come to a conclusion. Otherwise this is will be reduced to a calendar activity of New Delhi without any fruitful results.

HI:- Your suggestion for the students of media visa vi understanding Kashmir issue.

SV:- Students should always try to compare 4 news papers, Times Of India, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, The Hindu as for as covering Kashmir is concerned, it will broaden their vision and inculcate an in depth analytical sense. They should also regularly follow the local Dailies which will add a different perspective. This is necessary for being a journalist with difference. Actually it is all about to know so many aspects of the conflict.

HI:- Your family?

SV:- My wife Prof. Nandini Sunder . She is a Prof. at Delhi School of Economics.

HI:- What are the options for a media student, I mean other than print and broadcast area?

SV:- Go for blogging and don’t wait for jobs. Things come to you if you are capable enough and you know your job very well, I’m of the opinion that we must be well versed with the modern changing medium of communication. We have to think of the future and that will secure our place in the coming media scenario.


Profile...

Sidharth Vardarajan Associate Editor “The Hindu”.
Studies:- London School of Economics and Colombia University.
Masters in Economics, but abandoned his Phd. and taught at New York University.
Joined Times Of India in 1995 as Assistant Editor.
Shifted to Hindu in 2004 as Associate Editor (Strategic Affairs Editor)
Writes on:- Indian Foreign Policy, International Political Economy, Indian Government and politics, and International Security
Edited a book on Gujrat namely “The making of Tragedy”
Awards “The Elizabeth Neuffer Memorial Prize Silver Medal” for Print Journalism by the United Nations Correspondents Association in 2005, and “Bernado O’Higgins prize” by the President of Chile in march.