Shimla: A Class IX student from Auckland House School for Boys has brought laurels to Himachal Pradesh after securing the 8th Best Journalist position in the finals of the inaugural India Investigative Journalism Competition for Young Journalists, organised by the Centre for Investigative Journalism (CIJ), New Delhi, in collaboration with the Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN).
Tanish Sharma competed against more than 25,000 participants from across the country, including professional journalists, emerging among the top performers in the national competition.
His award-winning investigative report explored the persistence of caste-based discrimination, a socially sensitive issue that required extensive field reporting, interviews and documentation. Reflecting on the experience, Tanish said investigative journalism taught him the importance of earning public trust, verifying facts and presenting stories with fairness and accuracy.
A native of Rohru in Shimla district, Tanish has already built an impressive literary profile. He is the self-published author of three books—The Trapped Soul, The Stupid and the Annoyed, and Everyday Facade, an essay collection inspired by everyday observations and social issues. Apart from writing, he has also performed stand-up comedy at open-mic events in Shimla, showcasing his interest in communication and public engagement.
Tanish credits veteran journalist Ravish Kumar as his biggest inspiration, saying his people-centric approach to journalism has significantly influenced his understanding of the profession. He also acknowledges political analyst Yogendra Yadav for shaping his perspective on grassroots issues and informed public discourse.
Although journalism remains his passion, Tanish plans to pursue a degree in Law before preparing for the Civil Services. He believes legal education will strengthen his understanding of governance and constitutional values while supporting his long-term goal of public service.
Despite his administrative ambitions, Tanish says he intends to remain connected with journalism and hopes to write regularly as a newspaper columnist.
> “A journalist’s responsibility is not to showcase his own knowledge but to simplify complex issues for ordinary people. When citizens understand issues clearly, they can make informed decisions, and that is how journalism contributes to a better society,” Tanish said.
The national recognition marks another milestone in the young student’s journey, highlighting his growing achievements in investigative journalism, literature and public speaking while still in school.
