Hyderabad, February 27, 2024…….All must maintain standards. Standards are more important to politicians and journalists. Today politicians have lost public respect because they don’t conduct and behave in such a manner to deserve public respect. Politicians are public representatives and policymakers and are supposed to give direction to society. Journalists unravel the truth and present the same to society. But both have lost respect. Newspapers have become views-papers. They can give their views in editorials. They must report things as they happen. But now they add colours and their views.  It is not a good practice, said Shri Venkaiah Naidu while addressing the gathering immediately after the release of a book “There I Was!” is a book authored by Aruna Ravi Kumar. The chronicles unusual experiences and learnings in the media 

Aruna Ravikumar based out of Hyderabad is the author of the much-acclaimed one-of-a-kind book ‘Marauders of Hope on multi-level-marketing frauds which unmasks the deception of ‘get-rich-quick’ schemes across the world. Her second book “There I Was!” is a book that chronicles her unusual experiences and learnings in the media.

Highlighting the importance of Mother Tongue, the former Vice President of India Shri Naidu said, it has to be first your mother tongue, then your brother tongue after that any other tongue.  You don’t have to feel inferior if you have studied in your mother tongue.  The President of India, Vice President of India, Prime Minister and Chief Justice of India have all studied in their mother tongue.

Mr. Naidu congratulated Aruna Ravikumar, the author on the excellent work she carried out in the book.

Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Former Chairman of DRDO and former Secretary,  Defence Research said Aruna, the author, interviewed me.  We are family friends.  Her family is socially inclined and did a lot of service to society. 

Aruna compered when NT Rama Rao was sworn in as CM.  She interviewed many among them including Yaser Arafat and many more said Dr Satheesh Reddy

Dr. V.C. Sajjanar, Vice Chairman and MD of TSRTC said Police and Journalists love the action like the author Aruna Ravi Kumar said that wherever there was an action she was there.  So was I. So, we became friends over some time. She is one of the first women journalists. We all are proud of her achievements. 

Aruna Ravi Kumar is an independent journalist with vast experience in the print and broadcast media, she wears many hats as an anchor, translator, short filmmaker and crusader for change. The library is her favourite place and words and their origin hold a special fascination for her. Aruna holds social causes dear to her heart, loves nature, music and travel and spreads laughter and sunshine wherever she 

It is her second book.   “There I Was!” is a book which chronicles her unusual experiences and learnings in the media.

Living through dramatic times as one of the first woman political journalists in the broadcast media in the undivided state of Andhra Pradesh when private television channels breezed through the regional landscape in the mid-nineties, Aruna Ravikumar witnessed momentous developments and historical events frozen in time. ‘There I Was’- Media musings, is a compelling read about her foray into journalism which unwittingly began with her listening to interesting news discussions by fellow morning walkers when she accompanied her grandfather to Hyderabad’s famous tank bund, culminating in her moderating political debates in television studios.

The title of the book There I was aptly chosen, because, wherever there was an action I was there, Arun Ravi Kumar said.

Over 300 media professionals, FTCCI members, author’s friends and relatives have joined in the launch program