Who Is Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty? First Woman President Of Press Club Of India

Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty created history by becoming the first woman President of the Press Club of India in its 68-year existence. Her election marks an important change in one of India’s most powerful journalistic bodies and shows the rising demand for inclusive and representative leadership in Indian media.

In the elections held on December 13, she won 1,019 votes while her opponents, Atul Mishra and Arun Sharma, won 129 and 89 votes respectively. 

Pisharoty’s team won the elections with a complete victory of 21–0, securing all office-bearers and managing committee positions.

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Who Is Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty?

Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is a Senior Journalist who comes from Assam, a region that has remained central to her reporting and professional identity.

Throughout her career, the Guwahati University graduate has built a reputation as a trustworthy and fearless journalist, focusing on issues of governance, citizenship, and social justice.

Her work is distinguished by strong field reporting and a people-centric approach, focusing on the impact of political decisions and public policies on everyday lives.

She has worked with major national media platforms, including The Hindu, The Wire, and United News of India, where her in-depth reporting and analysis have enriched public understanding.

Apart from her journalistic work, she wrote the book Assam: The Accord, the Discord, a well-regarded analysis of the Assam Accord and its political and social implications. 

Known for her honesty and commitment to press freedom, Pisharoty continues to give voice to marginalised communities and challenge mainstream narratives.

Pisharoty is also a recipient of many prestigious awards and fellowships, including the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism, Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award, and the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies' Inclusive Media Fellowship.

Her election as the President of the Press Club of India positions her to lead one of India’s most prominent journalist associations, focusing on issues such as media rights, ethics, professional safety, and safeguarding press freedom.