Manisha Ganguly named Journalist of the Year 2022

One Young World is a global forum for identifying, promoting and connecting the world’s most impactful young leaders to create a better world, with more responsible and effective leadership. Their Journalist of the Year Award recognises five of the world’s most outstanding journalists who are using their stories to create a positive impact on people in their communities and countries. 

The awards focus on candidates who have highlighted the importance of having diverse voices in the media.

Manisha Ganguly, a multi award-winning independent conflict journalist and filmmaker using open-source techniques to investigate human rights abuses under conditions of war, was named winner of this award.

The University of Westminster spoke to Manisha about her work and the award.

When did your interest in journalism first begin?

"I had an interest in writing/documentaries from a young age as my grandmother, who raised me, was a published poet, writer, and a regular columnist for women's and literature magazines in Bengali in India. She would take me to a lot of editorial meetings when I was little, and I was surrounded by books and films growing up. In school, I became heavily involved in the magazine, later becoming editor, which solidified my interest in journalism. 

Then when I was 17 and still in school, I was selected from among hundreds of applicants to be an editorial intern at the national newspaper Times of India for a special Independence Day anniversary issue. I ended up writing a feature on India's bronze win in women's boxing at the Olympics, learning from seasoned reporters and working in a real newsroom; it was then that I realised this was it for me."

What area of journalism interests you the most, and why?

"Investigative journalism, because the most interesting question for me is always the "why" behind an event or series of events. This type of journalism also has a strong focus on public service, justice and accountability, which brings it closer to real-world impact. And documentary filmmaking lends itself quite naturally to investigations."

What does this award mean to you?

"To be recognised as a young leader in journalism is an immense honour, and I am so grateful to One Young World for it. On a personal level, it does massively help me cope with my imposter syndrome!"

Find out more about Media and Communication courses at the University of Westminster.