Anjana Om Kashyap, the Senior Executive Editor at Aaj Tak, stands out as a significant figure in Indian journalism. Known for her impactful career and candid views on societal issues, her journey from the early days at Doordarshan to her current role at Aaj Tak reflects resilience, versatility, and a strong commitment to the field.
Born in a middle-class family in Ranchi, Bihar, Anjana Om Kashyap's early life was influenced by her father's service in the Indian Army during the Bangladesh War of Liberation.
She attended Loreto Convent and Delhi Public School in Ranchi, showcasing leadership qualities. Pursuing an honours degree in Botany from the University of Delhi, she continued her education with post-graduation at the Delhi School of Social Work, fostering a spirit of public activism.
Kashyap started her professional journey as a counsellor at Daewoo Motors and later worked as a legal counsellor in an NGO. In the early 2000s, she pursued a journalism diploma from Jamia Millia Islamia, signalling a shift towards her true calling.
Joining Doordarshan, she worked on the news desk of Aankhon Dekhi, an investigative show, before making her mark at Zee News, News 24, and ultimately settling at Aaj Tak.
Facing initial challenges in becoming an anchor at Zee News, Kashyap worked in producing roles due to perceived limitations in her speaking finesse.
Overcoming these hurdles, she secured a mainstream role in 2007 at News 24, moderating an evening debate show. Joining Aaj Tak in 2012, she solidified her place in the media industry.
Known for her outspoken views, Kashyap has been a strong voice against reservations in India, describing the system as infested with 'termites.' Her Brahminical upbringing and social tensions post-Mandal Commission recommendations contribute to her perspective.
The reception of Kashyap's journalism has been mixed, with some criticism for the perceived aggressive promotion of Hindutva ideologies and biased reporting. However, her exclusive interview with Narendra Modi in the run-up to the 2019 National Elections highlighted her prominence.
Kashyap faced criticism during her coverage of the 2019 Bihar encephalitis outbreak, where she entered the neonatal ICU and confronted an on-duty paediatrician. Criticised for her behaviour, the Indian Medical Association filed a complaint against her, accusing her of endangering children's lives for publicity.
In her personal life, Anjana Om Kashyap is married to Mangesh Kashyap, an officer in the Delhi, Andaman, and Nicobar Islands Police Service cadre. The couple met during their time at Delhi University and have a son and a daughter.
Anjana Om Kashyap's journey in journalism is marked by resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her principles. As a Senior Executive Editor at Aaj Tak, she continues to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting, leaving an indelible mark on the Indian media industry.
