It was never a cakewalk for her. On one hand, there was her traditional family who believes in the notion of patriarchy and repeatedly trying to pursue her to have a career in teaching ---- a ‘safe job for women’. On the other, the girl, who preferred to see herself as a journalist, had the courage and determination but did not know how to go ahead. Yet, she stepped in (little unsure of the fate) and the journey started discreetly. Once the job was secured through written test and interview, she broke the news to her family ---- ‘I have got a job with ABP as a trainee journalist’. Lots of courage and little protest, that’s how her love for news began to take shape.
Twelve years down the line, the journey has neither been a bouquet nor a brickbat. It was more like a rollercoaster ride, where every day was and is a new beginning.
Currently, Anwesha Banerjee is an Assistant Editor of Ei Samay, a Bengali newspaper from The Times Group, India’s largest news organization. Here, she is shouldering the responsibility of National and International Desk. Along with that she never fails to wrestle out time to pursue her own interest in few genre of the turf.
Being in charge of an entire desk it is her duty to spread her interest from social issues to hardcore politics. But Gender justice and child rights are two such areas which made her adrenaline rush. Whenever she comes across some hapless in distress she feel an unavoidable urge to report it. For her leadership potential and passion for journalism, she was nominated by US Consulate, Kolkata for Edward Murrow Programme for Journalists in 2015-16.
Ms. Banerjee was honoured with Laadli Media Awards funded by UNFPA and Population First consecutively for three years (2014-15-16) for her continuous writings on gender issues. She had won ‘Journalism Award’ for her story on prosthetic belly last year. For her consistent write-ups on child rights, West Bengal Child Right’s Commission has honoured her with special certificate and appreciation. Earlier, she had been awarded with Chairman’s Award by Times of India group, Out of the Box award by ABP Group for her consistent performance.
When Anwesha is not working, she tries her hands in cooking - a hobby for her. She needs good books and soothing music to relax.