Aman Gupta, a name now synonymous with effective communication and public outreach, wasn’t always navigating the corridors of bureaucracy. His journey began in the bustling newsrooms of Delhi, where he honed his skills as a journalist for eight years, working with renowned media houses like NDTV, Zee News, and Aaj Tak. We bring to you a journalist’s journey from newsroom to bureaucracy.
Speaking with Indian Masterminds, Mr. Gupta shared about his journey.
INDIAN INFORMATION SERVICE
Mr. Gupta’s story, however, is not just about chasing headlines. It’s a narrative of unwavering passion for serving the people, a desire that he nurtured since his childhood in the quaint village of Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.
“When my name appeared in the newspaper for clearing the Indian Information Service, people in my village mistook it for Indian Administrative Service, unaware of the various other civil services like IPS, IRS, IRTS, IFS, and more,” Mr. Gupta shared.
Growing up amidst the warmth of rural life, he developed a deep love for reading and writing, eventually finding his calling in journalism.
CAREER AS A JOURNALIST
Armed with a diploma in journalism from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), he embarked on a fulfilling 8 years career, traversing diverse roles – from field reporting to podcasting. He covered significant events like the UP elections and the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, leaving his mark with insightful and innovative initiatives like launching Aaj Tak’s first podcast series.
“While working with Aaj Tak, I launched the “Earth Shashtra” podcast in Hindi, focusing on nature and the environment, following my tenure at TV9 Bharatvarsh, where I spearheaded podcasting across seven languages,” he shared.
But Mr. Gupta’s ambitions extended beyond the captivating world of news. He aspired to make a more profound impact, to directly contribute to the development of his nation. This yearning led him to the UPSC’s Indian Information Service (IIS), a path less trodden compared to the coveted Civil Services Exam (CSE).
He has also provided his voice for videos discussing the achievements of the central government over the past nine years.
अन्न हो पोषण से भरपूर,
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 4, 2023
भारत हो रहा कुपोषण से दूर। pic.twitter.com/cToewdZntc
INDIAN INFORMATION SERVICE SELECTION
The IIS selection senior grade process focuses on a comprehensive interview, evaluating the candidate’s experience and suitability for the role. Mr. Gupta’s extensive journalistic background proved to be his biggest asset. His in-depth understanding of media dynamics, coupled with his proven ability to communicate effectively, resonated with the UPSC panel, and he secured his place in the service in his very first attempt.
His transition from journalist to Information Officer marked a new chapter in his service to the nation. Currently posted as a Campaign Officer in the Central Bureau of Communication, Mr. Gupta said, “A campaign officer plays a pivotal role in crafting and executing impactful government campaigns, ensuring they reach the intended audience and achieve their desired objectives.”
WISE ADVICE
His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring journalists and civil servants alike. It emphasizes the importance of integrity, dedication, and a genuine desire to make a difference. As he aptly advises aspiring journalists, “Produce news by understanding people’s needs”. And, to aspiring civil servants, “Come with a mindset that you want to serve the country and its people.”
Aman Gupta is a shining example of how dedication, coupled with the right skills and experience, can pave the way for a fulfilling career dedicated to public service.
