A Chance Encounter Sparks a New Path
In 1990, a visit to the Newstrack office, facilitated by esteemed electronic media professional Ajmal Jami, became a turning point for Irfaan Sheikh. The dynamic environment, characterized by the staff’s enthusiasm and rapid pace, captivated him. Inspired, Sheikh expressed his desire to join the organization. The following day, he met Madhu Trehan, sister of Arun Purie, who requested his resume. With minimal preparation, he jotted down his credentials on a piece of paper and signed it, marking the beginning of his journey as a trainee reporter.
Mentorship and Growth in Journalism
Under the guidance of industry stalwarts like Arun Purie, Madhu Trehan, Manoj Raghuvanshi, Ranjana Jetley, Bharat Raj, Nutan Manmohan, Ajmal Jami, Priya Bhatia, Vikram Chandra, and Rupika Singh, Sheikh honed his skills. He particularly admired Minty Tejpal for his innovative storytelling, notably his investigative piece on Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. The newsroom’s daily challenges and the trust placed in him by his boss at ZEE News, Rajat Sharma, fueled Sheikh’s passion for impactful storytelling. His role allowed him to explore India and assist people through his narratives, leveraging his extensive connections to make a difference.
Nurturing Future Journalists and Initiatives
Reflecting on his career, Sheikh takes pride in mentoring aspiring journalists. His protégés, including Ambuj, Ankit, and Shweta, have excelled in the field, bringing him immense satisfaction. He also initiated programs like “Koi Sataye Hame Bataye,” designed to support individuals in crisis by providing a comprehensive approach involving media, advocacy, and police assistance. His extensive network of reporters and stringers across India plays a crucial role in aiding those in need. Another notable endeavor, “Jai Hind Janab,” highlights the commendable work of the nation’s bravehearts, aiming to inspire the youth and foster a united and strong India.
Transition from Sales to Journalism
Sheikh’s professional journey began in marketing and sales with Eureka Forbes, a role he found both challenging and demanding. However, his pivotal meeting with Madhu Trehan, facilitated by Ajmal Jami, redirected his path. Despite initial financial constraints and the challenges of living in Delhi, freelancing for a business program on Doordarshan provided him with necessary support.
Current Endeavors and Future Vision
Presently, Sheikh is focused on relaunching a news channel and establishing an online media academy. He is also dedicated to counseling students battling depression through his program, PAINT. The envisioned news channel will continue programs honoring the nation’s bravehearts and offer legal assistance to those in need. It aims to spotlight positive contributions in health and education sectors, connect with metros nationwide, and promote sports, arts, and culture through initiatives like the Pythian Games.
Influences and Inspirations
Sheikh draws inspiration from various figures: his father, who instilled in him that the national flag is his religion; his teacher, Mr. Gomes, who imparted essential life lessons; and his mentor in television journalism, Rajat Sharma. His second tenure at ZEE was influenced by Dr. Subhash Chandra Goel, who granted him the autonomy to successfully run ZEE Salaam. Events in Delhi, with Nitin Gadkari as the Chief Guest, and in Hyderabad, addressing women’s security, stand out as significant achievements.
Lessons Learned and Philosophy
Believing in destiny, Sheikh views setbacks as opportunities for introspection and growth. He emphasizes patience, building a trustworthy team, and the importance of talent and ideas. To him, success is measured by the positive impact one has on others’ lives. He advocates for continuous learning, aligning passion with profession, and maintaining integrity. His guiding principles include avoiding gossip, controlling anger, respecting elders, engaging in charity, and shedding ego to foster personal and professional growth.
A Vision for Responsible Journalism
Sheikh aspires to redefine journalism by fostering a more responsible and cohesive society. He aims to leverage media to ensure safety for daughters and create a support system for the families of uniformed personnel, ensuring timely assistance without bureaucratic delays. His vision encompasses a media landscape that not only informs but also uplifts and unites the nation. Do follow him on Instagram.
