A journalist with a passion for development journalism and breaking stories that expose corruption and policy flaws, Ravikiran has been persistent in pursuing news stories, ability to analyse objectively, has an eye for details and effectively communicates in multiple languages across media platforms.

Ravikiran brings over 29 years of rich experience in Marathi and English journalism, closely observing and chronicling the dynamic political equations, the succession of ideologically diverse political regimes, and the resultant socio-economic impact since 1991 in Maharashtra.

He has worked with top-line print media firms including ‘Loksatta’, ‘Mumbai Mirror’ and ‘Mid-Day’, where he was assigned a leadership role, and ensured effectiveness and excellence in covering core and complex issues related to the rural and the urban landscape.

As Editor (Politics) in ‘Mid-Day’ (2011-2014) Ravikiran’s dedicated weekly column on the goings-on in the state and at the Centre had a sharp perspective and gave a social connect. In fact, his signed comment pieces were not just thought-provoking, but on several occasions change-inducing as well.

Prior to this, a six-year (2005-2011) stint with ‘Mumbai Mirror’, where he rose from Principal Correspondent to Editor (Politics), a series of investigative news reports on some of the most challenging issues such as the land grab by powerful builders and political heavyweights, triggered action and compelled the state government to initiate multiple checks, including creation of the Housing Regulatory Authority.

The unending weeks spent analysing the disbursal of MLA funds on capital works, exposed an ongoing scam in the state legislature where the signature of an MLA was forged to allocate and misuse public funds.

Urban issues centered around policy and political interventions formed the core of Ravikiran’s coverage in ‘Mumbai Mirror’, where his reports had a definite impact and on many occasions resulted in change.

Earlier, his reportage in ‘Loksatta’ (1996-2005) on the concern points that affect agrarian economies in Maharashtra, the institutional corruption in the cooperative sector, water and irrigation-related issues and the policy tilts to favour a select barons of business and politics, put the spotlight on issues which were pushed under the carpet and helped empower the rural communities to make informed choices.

Observing events through the lens of an impartial journalist, analysing the business of politics, the changing political and demographic landscape and assessing its socio-political impact, his series of in-depth and investigative news stories and comment pieces over the last two decades have won accolades and recognition with multiple prestigious awards.

It was this ability to stay committed to the people and analyse objectively, in spite of familiarity with the who’s who of politics and the higher echelons of bureaucracy, which drew the attention of former Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who extended an invite to join his core team in Mantralaya supervising and monitoring the communication vertical, and objectively bringing difficult facts to the fore.

Ravikiran says, “The last five years (2014-2019) working in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), holding a rank equivalent to a Joint Secretary, has helped give an edge to my understanding of the process of policy planning, regulatory compliances and the delivery mechanism of innovative welfare programmes.”

Ravikiran is of the firm opinion that a transformative vision, balanced leadership and collaborative environment is at the core of any institution and encourages everyone to be the very best.