Veteran journalist Gaurav Sawant has officially taken charge of the coveted 8 PM prime-time slot on India Today TV, anchoring the newly launched show India First. The program replaces the earlier flagship Newstrack in the network’s lineup, reinforcing India Today TV’s commitment to fearless, fact-driven journalism.
Having had a career that has lasted more than three decades, Sawant has been at the forefront of reporting in India. His wide-ranging reporting has included some of the most significant events in India, such as the Kargil War, the Kandahar hijack, the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, and operations in Pulwama, Uri, and Nagrota. His international assignments have taken him deep into conflict zones across Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Egypt, Ukraine, and Israel, as well as the London bombings of 2005.
In one of the moments of the India-China Galwan standoff, Sawant was the first journalist to file a report from Daulat Beg Oldie at an altitude of 16,900 feet, showcasing his commitment to ground reporting in harsh conditions.
Beyond war zones, Sawant’s commitment to immersive journalism is also confirmed by his rare achievement of being conferred Para Wings by the Indian Navy for successfully completing five para jumps including an assisted freefall from a Sea King helicopter at INS Dega. Overall, he has completed eight para jumps, a reflection of his pursuit of firsthand reporting.
An author and advocate for military families, Sawant penned Dateline Kargil: A Correspondent’s Nine-Week Account from the Battlefront and created the Veergatha pictorial series for schoolchildren, directing all proceeds to families of armed forces personnel. In a strong display of integrity, he declined government remuneration for these projects.
In his current role as Managing Editor, Sawant brings his hallmark clarity, credibility, and ground reportage to India First. The show is designed to deliver rigorous, fact-based coverage, offering viewers a substantive alternative amidst the clutter of prime-time debates.
“India First will reflect the core values that have defined my career: fearless, factual, and field-driven journalism,” Sawant stated ahead of the show’s launch.
The appointment also highlights India Today TV’s tradition of promoting leadership from within its newsroom fostering talent that embodies its editorial ethos. With this move, the network aims to further deepen its connection with audiences seeking serious and credible journalism during prime timee.
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