Meet Palki Sharma: Journo Earns Praise For Rising India Speech At Oxford

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Palki Sharma, the managing editor of Firstpost, for her impactful speech delivered at the Oxford Union. The prime minister's words came just days after Palki's address to the union resurfaced in the headlines. In her 14-minute speech, Palki aimed to portray India as a nation breaking free from self-doubt and standing tall as a confident economic powerhouse.

Who is Palki Sharma?

Palki Sharma is a prominent figure in Indian journalism, currently lending her expertise to Firstpost, a popular YouTube news channel. Her shows on Firstpost, notably "Flashback" and "Between the Lines," are celebrated for their ability to break down complex topics into concise and engaging segments.

Prior to her tenure at Firstpost, Sharma served as an editor and news anchor at "World Is One News" (WION), where she hosted 'Gravitas,' India's sole prime-time show focused on foreign news and perspectives. Renowned for her coverage of international relations and interviews with foreign heads of state, she has earned widespread recognition for her insightful reporting.

Sharma began her journalism journey eleven years ago with CNN-IBN before transitioning to WION and eventually joining Firstpost. She initially gained experience as a news anchor on Doordarshan, India's largest television network, where she presented for both national and regional channels starting in 2002. In addition to her on-screen role, she was responsible for curating, organizing, and selecting  current affairs stories for Doordarshan. 

What did she speak about?

Almost a year ago, in June of the previous year, Sharma presented a comprehensive analysis of the major changes that have unfolded in India over the past decade. In a notable Oxford Union debate captured on video, she argued in favor of the motion, "Modi's India is on the Right Path." The discussion, held in the UK, provided a platform for deliberating on India's trajectory under Prime Minister Modi's leadership.

"Today, invasions and colonialism are part of our history, not our identity, we are shaped by years of subjugation, not defined by them. We are excited about our global responsibilities, not wary of them; this change in confidence comes from growth at home,” she said.

Sharma used X (previously Twitter) to clarify that the words were made more than a year ago, but she also expressed her surprise at how well the speech had resonated with so many people when it went viral on social media.

"You have given a wonderful glimpse of the massive transformations taking place across India,"  PM Modi said on X in response to her article.

You have given a wonderful glimpse of the massive transformations taking place across India, @palkisu! https://t.co/80mOpnPClm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2024