Pratima Puri

Pratima Puri
Born
Vidya Rawat[1]

Shimla, Punjab Province, British India (present day Himachal Pradesh, India)
Died(2007-07-29)29 July 2007
NationalityIndian
OccupationNews Anchor at Doordarshan
Years active1958 – 1970
ChildrenRaja Puri

Pratima Puri (died 29 July 2007) was an Indian journalist best known for being Doordarshan’s first newsreader.[2]

Early life

She was born as Vidya Rawat to a Gorkha family at Laal Paani in Shimla, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. Puri graduated from Delhi University's Indraprastha College for Women.[3]

Career

Pratima started her media career at the All India Radio (AIR) station in her hometown.

When All India Radio had its first telecast on September 15, 1959, Pratima was shifted to New Delhi. She became an anchor when DD started its first news bulletin in 1965.[1] She interviewed prominent figures like Yuri Gagarin (the first man to travel into space),[4] and various actors and politicians. After Salma Sultan was chosen to replace her, Pratima Puri started training aspiring anchors in Doordarshan.[1]

Personal life

Pratima Puri died in 2007.

References

  1. ^ a b c "This Trailblazing Woman Was India's First Newsreader. Yet Few Indians Know Her Story". The Better India.
  2. ^ "Doordarshan turns 60: Here is a nostalgic look at the broadcaster's milestones". The Economic Times.
  3. ^ "कॉलेज ऑफ द डे :सबसे पुराने महिला कॉलेज में शुमार आईपी कॉलेज". Amar Ujala.
  4. ^ "Doordarshan turns 60: The advent of Golden age in Indian television". Indian Express.