Mukesh Chandrakar: The Voice And Soul Of Bastar
In the dense forests of Bastar, where every rustling leaf speaks of struggle and courage, Mukesh Chandrakar emerged not just as a journalist but as a voice of the voiceless. For me, he wasn’t just a colleague; he was a companion-a confidant who shared in moments of love, laughter, and even scoldings. Mukesh was someone you couldn’t ignore, a relentless spirit who made you believe in the power of storytelling. A Friend, A Learner I remember how we used to talk every week, sometimes every 10 days. He would share stories about Bastar, his latest reports, or just chat about life. Once, I noticed he had a habit of wearing a chunni (scarf) during his piece-to-camera. I teased him about it, saying, “Mukesh, you’re a journalist. Project a professional image.” He laughed it off, but the next time he appeared on camera, the chunni was gone. That moment reflected his willingness to learn and adapt without taking offense. Patience In Tough Demands As editors, we often demand perfection-multiple takes, different angles, or additional shots. Mukesh …
