Shah Taj Khan (Pune)

Delhi-born Seema Mustafa, author of The Lonely Prophet: V.P. Singh, Azadi’s Daughter, and Shaheen Bagh and The Idea of India, is a veteran journalist and columnist and known for her forthright reporting and incisive political analysis.

She began her journalistic career at the age of 19 with the Lucknow-based newspaper The Pioneer. Over the decades, she has emerged as one of the most recognisable voices of Indian journalism. In 2014 in her sixties, she founded the digital news platform The Citizen, through which she continues to champion independent journalism and amplify women’s voices.

Seema Mustafa

One of her key initiatives is the YouTube interview series Women Only… with Seema Mustafa. The series focuses on the lives, struggles, and achievements of women who have made significant contributions to society, politics, art, and education. Distinct from conventional interviews, the show adopts a conversational tone, allowing guests to share personal journeys and lived experiences. Mustafa often invites grassroots activists, filmmakers, politicians, and writers—particularly women working at the ground level to bring about meaningful change.

The Craft of Reporting

With a career spanning over four decades, Seema Mustafa has reported from some of the most challenging environments. She covered the Battle of Beirut and reported from the frontlines during the Kargil War, for which she received the prestigious Prem Bhatia Award in 1999.

Seema Mustafa

Throughout her career, she has held key editorial positions at leading Indian newspapers and television organisations, including The Patriot, The Indian Express, The Telegraph, The Asian Age, NewsX, Business India, and The Sunday Guardian. She has also worked with The Economic Times. Her columns have appeared regularly in Bengaluru’s Deccan Chronicle and the Pakistani newspaper Dawn.

In 2020, Seema Mustafa made history by becoming the first elected President of the Editors Guild of India—a position that had previously been filled by consensus. She was re-elected in October 2022. In addition, she serves as Director of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CPA) and remains an active commentator across independent media platforms.

Books and Ideas

Seema Mustafa’s writings reflect her deep engagement with politics, society, and personal history. Her memoir Azadi’s Daughter (2017) recounts her upbringing in a liberal Muslim household. The Lonely Prophet: V.P. Singh offers a detailed portrait of the former Prime Minister, shedding light on his personality and key political decisions.

Seema Mustafa

Her 2020 work, Shaheen Bagh and the Idea of India, brings together essays by various scholars and documents the historic protests. Other notable works include The Scam: The Cover-up and Compromise (1995) and Journalism: Ethics and Responsibilities (2013).

Mustafa’s views on journalism are clear and uncompromising. She believes that the primary duty of journalism is to question power, not to flatter it. She has often criticised sections of the Indian media for becoming “cheerleaders” rather than “watchdogs.” For her, democracy extends beyond elections—it requires respect for dissent and diversity of opinion. She frequently urges young journalists to prioritise field reporting over studio-based “event management.”

Legacy and Influence

Coming from a distinguished lineage—she is the granddaughter of Lieutenant Colonel Syed Mustafa and noted social activist and Rajya Sabha member Anees Kidwai, and the daughter of Rafia Mustafa—Seema Mustafa was raised in a disciplined yet liberal environment.

Seema Mustafa

Her nearly five-decade-long career stands as a testament to courage, integrity, and fearless journalism. She continues to give voice to underrepresented communities, especially women, through her work on The Citizen and her Women Only series.

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Whether reporting from conflict zones or documenting movements like Shaheen Bagh, Seema Mustafa has consistently upheld the core values of journalism with conviction. Across print and electronic media, her ability to present nuanced perspectives with clarity has set her apart.

Her journey underscores a powerful belief: journalism is not merely a profession—it is a mission.