The Journalist’s Mantra: Curiosity, Empathy and Truth

By Arjun Singh Tyagi

In an age where misinformation thrives and “WhatsApp University” often passes as a credible source, Palki Sharma’s brand of fact-driven journalism stands out as a beacon of hope. Known for substantiating every story with hard facts and figures, the Managing Editor and Anchor at *Firstpost* reminded students at Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication (AIMC) that journalism is much more than a profession—it is a calling.

Delivering the institute’s inaugural lecture to welcome the new batch, Sharma highlighted the sense of purpose that journalism brings to life. The most impactful part of her address was a three-pronged formula for a successful career: nurture curiosity and never hesitate to ask tough questions, approach stories with empathy because they reflect real lives, and remain uncompromisingly honest to eliminate any gap between self and storytelling.

She urged budding journalists to cultivate a strong reading habit and break free from entrenched mental constructs. Drawing from her own influences, she cited thinkers like Henry Kissinger and Erica Benner, underscoring how wide reading broadens perspective and sharpens analysis.

Acknowledging the realities of the profession, Sharma spoke candidly about the challenges women face in journalism, stressing the importance of setting boundaries around working hours to maintain resilience and balance.

Perhaps the most striking takeaway came when she dismantled the myth of neutrality in journalism. “There’s nothing like being neutral,” she asserted. A journalist, she explained, must always choose a side the side of the voiceless, the side of truth. For many students in the audience, this was a revelation that reframed journalism not just as a career path but as a moral responsibility.