Sashi Kumar

Biography:

Sashi Kumar, born on February 23, 1952, is a prominent Indian journalist and media figure hailing from Kerala. He is renowned for his role as the founder and chairman of the Media Development Foundation, a nonprofit public trust responsible for establishing and operating the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai. Sashi Kumar played a pivotal role as the first West Asia correspondent for the esteemed publication, The Hindu, during the mid-1980s. Additionally, he directed the Hindi film “Kaya Taran,” which was adapted from the short story “Vanmarangal Veezhumbol” (When Big Trees Fall) by acclaimed writer N. S. Madhavan. Presently, Sashi Kumar serves as the chairman of the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai.

Sashi Kumar’s early life traces back to Karupadanna near Kodungallur in Thrissur District, within the erstwhile State of Travancore–Cochin. His educational journey led him to complete his schooling at the Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Chennai, followed by graduation from Loyola College, Chennai, and post-graduation in history from the Madras Christian College.

In terms of his career, Sashi Kumar commenced his professional journey in Doordarshan (DD), where he took on roles as a newsreader and producer. Subsequently, he assumed the position of chief producer and general manager of PTI-TV. Throughout his career, he developed and presented independent programs covering diverse topics such as the economy, politics, and culture on Indian television, including noteworthy shows like Money Matters, Tana Bana, and Jan Manch. Furthermore, Sashi Kumar has established himself as a respected filmmaker, having scripted and directed “Kaya Taran” in Hindi, a film adaptation of N. S. Madhavan’s story “Vanmarangal Veezhumbol.”

The film garnered recognition, earning him the Aravindan Puraskaram as the best debut filmmaker in 2004. Sashi Kumar has also ventured into acting, featuring in Malayalam films like “Iniyum Marichittillatha Nammal,” “Balyakalasakhi,” “Loudspeaker,” “Ennu Ninte Moideen,” and “Love 24×7.” Additionally, he holds various important positions, including serving as a member of the Empowered Committee on Information, Communication & Technology (ICE) in the Prime Minister’s Office, New Delhi, and holding the role of Chief Editor at Asiaville.