पंकज पाराशर से मेरी मुलाकात कभी नहीं है। केवल फ़ोन पर बातचीत है। उनकी ट्राई सिटी वेबसाइट के न्यूज़ लिंक कई बार फॉरवर्ड होते हुए मेरे पास आते रहते हैं। उनकी पुलिस प्रशासन के ख़िलाफ़ स्टोरीज वायरल होती रही है। पंकज की गिरफ्तारी हुई है। उन पर गंभीर आरोप लगे हैं। पत्रकार पर उगाही और ब्लैकमेलिंग के ही आरोप अक्सर लगते हैं। कोर्ट में तय होगा क्या ग़लत क्या सही। पुलिस जाँच कर रही है। पंकज पाराशर लंबे समय के लिए सलाखों के पीछे जा चुके हैं। पंकज के बारे में ज़्यादा जानकारी के लिए ऑनलाइन सर्च कर रहा था तो quora पर किन्हीं विवेक रमन द्वारा लिखित एक अंग्रेजी आर्टकिल मिला। इस आर्टकिल पर नौ जनवरी डेट अंकित है। उस आर्टकिल को हूबहू यहाँ प्रकाशित किया जा रहा है। लेखक विवेक रमन ने ख़ुद को IIM Lucknow से पढ़ा और Regrob Group of Companies का Co-Founder बताया है। -यशवंत (एडिटर, भड़ास)
A Journalist Who Inspired Me Beyond Words
Vivek Raman-
I can tell you about one of the most remarkable journalists in India, Pankaj Parashar. He has left a lasting impression on me. His journey from being a journalist at a large media house to building a top news channel is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a story of transformation—from a job to entrepreneurship—and a testament to his unwavering values. Very few people inspire you deeply beyond your family, and for me, he is one of those rare individuals. He is my mentor and like a big brother to me.
Our paths first crossed in 2018 during the Kerala floods. At the time, I was living in Noida and actively participating in a relief effort to collect clothes, food, and other essentials for the affected people. My uncle, R.S. Uppal, mentioned a senior journalist, Pankaj Parashar, from Hindustan Times, who was arranging for a large vehicle to transport donations from our location. My uncle suggested I reach out to him.
I got his number and gave him a call. He graciously invited me to his office in Noida to discuss the logistics of the donation drive. When we met, I was struck by his kind and approachable nature. Although our initial interaction was brief, there was an instant connection—an unspoken bond that formed naturally.
My office was near his in Sector 65, and over time, we began meeting frequently. Our conversations spanned various topics—social issues, business, and beyond. I was always amazed by his depth of knowledge and the genuine interest he took in our discussions. Over time, our bond grew stronger, and we exchanged countless ideas and perspectives.
Journalists often wield immense power, but Pankaj ji’s simplicity and adherence to his principles stood out. In a profession sometimes criticized for its lack of integrity, he shone as a beacon of honesty. My earlier skepticism about journalists faded away, thanks to him.
One day, as we grew closer, I asked him how he managed his expenses while maintaining such a modest lifestyle. His response was profound:
“Vivek, what do you really need in life? Simple vegetarian food and small expenses to live peacefully. You don’t need much more than that.”
His wife, a government school teacher, complemented his modest lifestyle. Despite being one of the most powerful journalists in Gautam Buddha Nagar, he remained grounded, owning a humble Alto car and living a simple life.
Pankaj ji embodies the principles of Mahatma Gandhi—simplicity, honesty, and humility. It is no surprise that he is also completing his Ph.D. on Mahatma Gandhi, a testament to his commitment to Gandhian values.
Pankaj ji is one of the most daring journalists I have ever met. He has cracked cases that no one could imagine and has been awarded multiple times for his investigative journalism. His commitment to uncovering the truth often led him into risky situations. While I have often advised him to avoid such risks, his dedication is unwavering.
Life as a journalist is far from easy. While they may appear to mingle with influential figures like MPs, MLAs, and bureaucrats, their work is fraught with challenges and risks. Pankaj ji, however, stands apart because of his unwavering integrity and his willingness to go beyond the call of duty to help others.
Pankaj Parashar holds the prestigious position of President of the Noida Media Club, a non-profit organization in Gautam Buddha Nagar comprising journalists from various media houses. This organization is among the most respected social bodies in the region, reflecting the collective influence of journalists under his leadership.
When I moved to a new location in Gautam Buddha Nagar, we faced issues like crime, traffic, and infrastructure problems. On his advice, we formed a group comprising residents from various apartments. He brought journalists from different media houses into the group, creating a platform for citizen journalism. Residents posted their issues, which were then publicized and addressed.
This group became a powerful tool for problem-solving in the region, eventually growing into a model of collective action. One memorable event he organized was the Samvad—a direct dialogue between residents and higher authorities, including the DM, CEO of the authority, and senior administrative officials. This initiative was a first-of-its-kind in Gautam Buddha Nagar, creating a bridge between citizens and decision-makers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Pankaj ji was a pillar of support for everyone. Whether it was arranging hospital beds or coordinating with authorities, he worked tirelessly to help people in need. As he often says,
“Leadership is not about titles; it’s about responsibility.”
One day, amidst all these events, he shared with me his dream of starting his own media house. As an entrepreneur, I offered my support, but he politely declined financial help. Despite limited resources, he built a renowned and trusted media platform, Tricity, through his intelligence, sharp skills, and social connections.
What made this journey possible was the love and support he earned from the people of Gautam Buddha Nagar. His commitment to helping others, even strangers, inspired a movement. Tricity became a major force in citizen journalism, publishing genuine issues and holding administrations accountable. Today, Tricity is a powerful and authentic media house, and he is now expanding with another initiative, UP Times.
Background of Pankaj Parashar
Pankaj ji hails from Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, and is the son of a renowned doctor. He is a qualified lawyer (LLB) and the founder of Tricity and UP Times. His grounded upbringing and values have shaped him into a journalist and leader who inspires many.
In my observation, Pankaj ji’s success stems from his unwavering dedication to his principles and his people. He redefined journalism with his honesty, selflessness, and courage. His journey from a journalist to a media entrepreneur is not just inspiring—it’s a legacy in the making.
One of Pankaj ji’s biggest achievements lies in his courage and determination to crack high-profile cases through his investigative journalism. He has uncovered major land scams in Gautam Buddha Nagar, among other criminal cases across various sectors. His daring approach to reporting has not only exposed these injustices but has also set new standards for journalistic integrity. These stories are just a glimpse of the incredible work he continues to do, and I will highlight more of his achievements in the coming days.
For now, you can learn more about Pankaj ji’s work by searching for him on Twitter under Pankaj Parashar Tricity. He is very approachable and often responds through direct message (DM), making him easily accessible for anyone who wants to connect.
पंकज पाराशर को लेकर आज प्रकाशित कुछ एक्स पोस्ट-
मूल खबर और पुलिस का पक्ष यहाँ पढ़ें-
Vivek kumar
January 22, 2025 at 12:10 am
यह लेख आपके द्वारा प्रेरित करने वाले पत्रकार, पंकज पाराशर, की गहन यात्रा और उनके अद्वितीय व्यक्तित्व का सजीव चित्रण करता है। उनकी सादगी, ईमानदारी, और साहस न केवल एक आदर्श पत्रकार की परिभाषा प्रस्तुत करते हैं, बल्कि एक ऐसे व्यक्तित्व को भी उजागर करते हैं, जो अपने आसपास के समाज को बेहतर बनाने के लिए पूरी तरह से समर्पित है।
आपने जिस प्रकार उनकी जीवनशैली, विचारधारा, और कार्यशैली को वर्णित किया है, वह यह दर्शाता है कि पंकज जी केवल एक सफल पत्रकार ही नहीं, बल्कि एक प्रभावशाली समाजसेवी और मार्गदर्शक भी हैं। उनकी कहानी न केवल प्रेरणा देती है, बल्कि यह भी सिखाती है कि कैसे छोटे कदमों और बड़े सपनों के साथ समाज में बदलाव लाया जा सकता है।
यह लेख उनके योगदान, उनकी विनम्रता, और उनके सामाजिक प्रयासों को उजागर करता है, जो युवा पत्रकारों और सामाजिक कार्यकर्ताओं के लिए एक प्रेरणास्त्रोत हो सकता है।
उनकी कहानी से पता चलता है कि सच्ची सफलता केवल धन-दौलत या पद-प्रतिष्ठा में नहीं, बल्कि अपने मूल्यों और समाज की भलाई के प्रति अपनी प्रतिबद्धता में निहित है।