Madhu Purie Trehan, a groundbreaking Indian journalist born in the 1940s, has made a lasting impact on Indian media. From co-founding the renowned India Today magazine to playing a crucial role in establishing Newslaundry, Trehan's journey showcases her dedication to outstanding journalism and innovation.
Born in 1946 in Lahore, British India, Madhu Trehan's journey into journalism began after graduating from Welham Girls' School in Dehradun in 1962. In 1968, she studied journalistic photography at London's Harrow Technical College & School of Arts.
Furthering her education, she earned a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University, New York, in 1972. Her early career included working at the United Nations press department and editing for the weekly newspaper, India Abroad.
Returning to India in 1975, Trehan, alongside her father, V.V. Purie, founded India Today, a groundbreaking news magazine. In 1986, she produced and anchored Newstrack, India's first video news magazine, setting new standards for television news reporting in the country.
In 1994, Madhu Trehan conducted an exclusive interview with Yakub Memon, a key figure in the 1993 Bombay bombings. This fearless approach showcased her commitment to diverse perspectives.
In 2009, she authored "Tehelka as Metaphor: Prism Me a Lie, Tell Me a Truth," delving into the 2001 Operation West End exposé and investigative journalism complexities.
Madhu Trehan's digital journey began with Wah India in 2000, a website and print magazine. In 2012, she co-founded Newslaundry, a crowd-sourced media critique website, that emphasises media accountability in the digital age.
Controversies marked Trehan's career, notably in 2001 when the Delhi High Court ruled her and others guilty of contempt for an article on Wah India. Despite legal challenges, Trehan's commitment to journalistic integrity remained strong.
Married to renowned heart surgeon Naresh Trehan, Madhu Trehan is the sister of Aroon Purie, the founder-publisher and editor-in-chief of India Today. Her niece is Bollywood actress Koel Purie.
Madhu Trehan's journey, from print journalism to the digital age, reflects her adaptability and pioneering spirit. As a journalist, author, and Newslaundry co-founder, she inspires a new generation of media professionals, leaving a lasting legacy in the evolving landscape of Indian journalism.
