- “My goal is to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of our members.”-Nagilla Venkatesh
- “Journalists’ welfare cannot remain a promise; it must be a practice.”
- “His re-election reflects not only continuity of leadership but also the trust of Delhi journalists.”
NEW DELHI, September 2025 – The Delhi unit of the Telangana Union of Working Journalists (TUWJ) has once again placed its confidence in senior journalist Nagilla Venkatesh, unanimously re-electing him as President for a second consecutive term in August. The decision, endorsed during the union’s recent general body meeting, reflects continuity of leadership and the members’ endorsement of his welfare-focused agenda.
A Union Strengthened by Welfare
During his first tenure beginning in 2022, TUWJ-Delhi introduced one of its most significant initiatives: a ₹10 lakh health insurance scheme for members, enabling access to corporate hospital care during medical emergencies. For many working journalists, it marked the first time such a facility was secured within a union framework.
Other issues long placed on the sidelines-housing needs, accreditation reforms, and even the restoration of railway concessions-were brought to official notice through his persistent engagement with central and state authorities. His approach signaled a shift from inward-looking unionism to outward advocacy, ensuring the concerns of journalists reached those in power.
Milestones in Collective Identity
A highlight of his first term was the release of TUWJ Delhi’s first annual diary, an event that drew Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and parliamentarians K. Kesava Rao and Bida Mastan Rao. More than symbolic, the diary established the Delhi unit’s presence in the capital’s journalistic record.
Equally important was the union’s timely support to members in distress. Financial assistance during sudden health crises was extended without bureaucratic delay, underscoring the union’s commitment to solidarity in practice.
The Professional and the Person
Hailing from United Mahbubnagar district of Telangana, Venkatesh brings to his leadership the combined training of a postgraduate in Social Work from Osmania University and legal studies from CCS University, Delhi. A journalist for over two decades, he has reported from Delhi since 2011, covering Parliament, the Supreme Court, and national politics. His role in India’s International Media Delegation during the Vice President’s Europe tour further reflected his recognition at the national level. He was awarded with “Bharat Ke Anmol “ at Ambedkar International Center at New Delhi for his contributions towards journalism. His marathon coverage on stories of Dubbaka weavers Suicides, created impact and in response Govt issued Anthyodaya Anna Yojana Food Security cards to prevent hunger deaths. He highlighted many impactful stories that helped marginalised groups.
A Second Term, Broader Expectations
The unanimous re-election of Venkatesh is viewed not merely as continuity but as an expectation for expansion. Members anticipate consolidation of welfare measures and stronger representation of journalists’ interests in policymaking circles.
Acknowledging his second term, Venkatesh noted, “My goal is to continue working tirelessly for the betterment of our members.”
Leadership in Perspective
In an era where professional unions risk fading into formality, TUWJ-Delhi under Venkatesh’s stewardship has sought to maintain relevance by focusing on tangible welfare and credible advocacy. His second innings will be watched for how this balance of welfare and representation is further strengthened.
His re-election ultimately reflects not only personal credibility but also the collective trust of journalists seeking a stronger, welfare-oriented union voice in the national capital.
- By Purushotham Naragouni, Editor-in-Chief, National Express
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