Founded India's first 24-hour English news channel, revolutionizing Indian journalism with in-depth reporting and unbiased coverage. Known for fearless reporting and holding those in power accountable.
Prannoy Roy is a renowned Indian economist, chartered accountant, psephologist, journalist, and author, best known for co-founding NDTV, a leading Indian news channel, and pioneering opinion polls in the country. With a career spanning over four decades, Roy has made significant contributions to the fields of economics, journalism, and politics.
Born on October 15, 1949, in Calcutta, West Bengal, Roy came from a family of achievers. His paternal grandfather, Paresh Lal Roy, was a traffic superintendent and an amateur boxer, known as the father of Indian boxing. Roy's great-grandmother, Lolita Roy, was a suffragist and social reformer, while his cousin is the acclaimed writer Arundhati Roy.
Roy attended La Martiniere Calcutta and The Doon School, a private boys' boarding school in Dehradun, Uttar Pradesh. It was during his teenage years at the boarding school that he met his future wife, Radhika Das. The couple later moved to London, United Kingdom, for their higher education, where Roy received a Haileybury and Imperial Service College scholarship to acquire the A-level higher secondary certificate.
Roy graduated in 1973 with first-class honors in economics from the Queen Mary University of London. He then became a certified chartered accountant and a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales in 1975. After returning to India, Roy taught economics at the University of Delhi and later worked as an economic consultant to the Indian government.
In 1988, Roy, along with his wife Radhika, co-founded NDTV, which revolutionized the Indian television news industry. He is credited with pioneering opinion polls in India, which helped predict election outcomes and shape public opinion.
Roy has received several awards and honors for his contributions to journalism and economics. Some notable awards include:
Roy's work has had a significant impact on modern Indian society. His opinion polls have influenced election outcomes, and his journalism has promoted transparency and accountability in governance. Through NDTV, Roy has provided a platform for diverse voices and opinions, contributing to a more informed and engaged citizenry.
Roy is known for his commitment to democratic values, free speech, and independent journalism. He believes in the power of information to shape public opinion and bring about positive change. Through his work, Roy has promoted critical thinking, rational inquiry, and open debate.
Roy is married to Radhika Roy, and the couple has two sons. He is known for his humble and unassuming nature, despite his remarkable achievements. Roy's nickname, "Tempest," was given to him by his paternal grandfather, Paresh Lal Roy, when he was a child.
In conclusion, Prannoy Roy is a true pioneer in the fields of economics, journalism, and politics. His contributions to Indian society are immense, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists, economists, and social reformers.
54 Years Old
Award-winning journalist and war correspondent, known for her fearless reporting from conflict zones, particularly during the Kargil War and the 2002 Gujarat riots.