Smita Prakash Biography: Smita Prakash is one of the most well-known journalists in India, with over three decades of experience. Born on December 2, 1981, in New Delhi and currently 42 years old, Smita’s journey reflects her focus on her profession.
Parents
Smita Prakash was raised in a family connected to the world of media and communication. Her father, Ramamohan Rao, worked as the former Director of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which gave Smita early exposure to the field of journalism.
Her mother, Rajeshwari Rao also helped in shaping her career path. Smita also shared a close bond with her brother, Rohit Rao, who passed away in 2016.
Mother Tongue
Smita speaks multiple languages, including Tulu and Kannada, which are her mother tongues. Growing up with these languages and traditions helped her connect with people from different backgrounds.
Education
Smita’s educational journey began at an army school. After completing her schooling, she attended the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) in New Delhi. She studied Political Science and earned a Master’s Degree, which helped her understand complex political situations better.
Career
In 1986, she started her career as an intern at Asian News International (ANI), a major news agency. Her dedication and hard work quickly earned her a full-time position as an editor at ANI.
In 2005, Smita was chosen by the Ministry of External Affairs to cover joint press conferences between the prime ministers of India and the United States, a major honor that highlighted her standing in the field.
Smita Prakash became widely recognized after she interviewed Narendra Modi before the 2014 Indian General Elections. This interview brought her significant attention and showed her ability to handle important and sensitive topics professionally. It became a turning point in her career.
Smita has also worked with international broadcasters like NPR News America and NHK Japan, helping bring Indian stories to a global audience. Her work in this space showed her ability to adapt to different cultures while maintaining high professional standards.
Podcast
In recent years, Smita has adapted to the changes in media by launching her podcast, “ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash.” This platform has become a place for in-depth interviews and discussions on current events. Her podcast has gained popularity, further extending her influence in the digital age.
Her ability to adapt to the changing media landscape, whether through traditional news reporting or digital platforms like podcasts, has allowed her to stay relevant in a fast-changing industry.
Husband
Smita Prakash married Sanjiv Prakash Sabharwal, the CEO of ANI, on November 3, 1988. Their partnership has been based on shared values and mutual support. Together, they have two sons, Ishaan Prakash and Sanat Prakash, who are also involved in the media industry.
Ishaan Prakash, one of their sons, has played an important role in expanding ANI’s overseas offices and securing contracts with state governments and union ministries.
Net Worth
As of 2023, Smita Prakash’s estimated net worth is around Rs. 3 crores. Her career achievements have brought her both professional success and financial stability.
Smita Prakash Biography: Controversies
In July 2024, Smita and ANI filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wikimedia Foundation, alleging that a Wikipedia article damaged their reputation. They filed the case in the Delhi High Court, seeking ₹2 crore (around USD 240,000) in damages.
Smita Prakash has also faced criticism from several political figures who have accused her of showing bias in her reporting and leaning towards the right wing. She has often taken to social media to respond to criticisms, defending her and ANI’s journalistic practices.
Conclusion
Smita Prakash’s career in journalism has been marked by her ability to cover important stories with a straightforward approach. From her early days as an intern at ANI to her current role in both traditional and digital media, Smita has remained focused on delivering news and information.
Smita Prakash biography will be updated here as new details emerge.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and sources believed to be reliable. This post is for informational purposes only. India At Present Info. will not be responsible for any wrong information, readers are encouraged to check the information independently.
