Pratap Rao Kaushik
Pratap Rao Kaushik is an Indian journalist, media executive, television anchor, and social commentator based in Jaipur, Rajasthan. With more than three decades of experience in print and electronic journalism, he has held senior editorial positions across multiple news organizations in Rajasthan and at the national level. He is known for his work in political reporting, election management programming, border-region journalism, investigative stories, and public affairs broadcasting.
| Pratap Rao Kaushik | |
|---|---|
| |
| Origin | Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Employer | Ritam Digital Platform (Content Head) |
| Years Active | 1994–present |
| Notable Coverage | Rajasthan elections (Lok Sabha & Vidhan Sabha), Gurjar agitation, border-region security reporting, Ravindra Kaushik intelligence story (ETV) |
Early Life and Background
Pratap Rao Kaushik was born on 19 August 1966 into a middle-class family. Though his family background traces roots to Karnataka and Maharashtra, he was born and brought up in Rajasthan. From an early age, he was associated with social and community initiatives and participated in student movements during his academic years.
Education
He completed his higher education at the University of Rajasthan. His academic qualifications include:
- Master of Arts (Political Science)
- Bachelor of Science
- Diploma in Journalism
- One-year English Proficiency Course
Career in Print Journalism
Rao began his journalism career in 1994 as a trainee journalist at Rajasthan Patrika, where he received training in editing and reporting. He later worked as Sub-Editor (1994–1995) and Bureau In-Charge at Sri Ganganagar. He also served as Chief Reporter in Rajasthan for Mahanagar Times, an evening daily newspaper.
Career in Electronic Media
With the expansion of television journalism, Kaushik transitioned into electronic media and held several senior positions, including:
- News Coordinator, ETV Rajasthan
- State Bureau Chief, CNEB News Channel
- Editor-in-Chief, HBC News Channel
- Consulting Editor, First India News Channel (Jaipur)
- Executive Editor, India News Rajasthan
- Consulting Editor, India News Network
As News Coordinator at ETV Rajasthan, he was responsible for statewide news gathering and planning.
Election Coverage and Political Programming
Rao played a key role in coverage of Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections. He was appointed Chief Executive for election special programming and organized road shows, studio debates, and political discussion programs.
Television Programs
He anchored and produced several programs, including:
- Bebak Baat
- Badi Behas
- Aamne Samne (one-on-one interview format)
- Mudda
- Doosra Pahloo
- Jan-Manch
He conducted more than 300 television interviews and participated in over 1,000 programs.
Investigative and Border Reporting
Rao has reported extensively from border regions of Rajasthan and covered sensitive security-related developments. His reporting included coverage during the Gurjar agitation and public awareness campaigns against open borewells. His story on Indian intelligence operative Ravindra Kaushik received recognition within the ETV network.
Digital Media Work
He later became associated with Ritam Digital Platform as Content Head, contributing to the development of digital applications, websites, and social media networks.
Training and Professional Development
- Trainee Journalist, Rajasthan Patrika (1994)
- Video Editing and Camera Training, ETV (2001)
- CNN Workshop for Television Reporting (2002)
- Participation in journalism workshops conducted by UNDP and other organizations
Personal Life
Pratap Rao Kaushik resides in Mansarovar, Jaipur, Rajasthan. He is married and fluent in Hindi, English, and regional languages. His interests include social welfare and public awareness initiatives.