She has been there and done it all, covering international war zones to conflicts closer home, reporting from Siachen to Taliban occupied Afghanistan. And perhaps the first Indian woman journalist who made the world sit and notice while she interviewed LTTE chief  Prabhakaran, who was once the world’s most elusive man. Anita has always dared to take the most challenging task in her career. With AAP, the lady is all set to fulfill her dreams of serving the society that has been close to her heart.

Kerala missed you all these years…..How was the welcome back?
Kerala is home, family, life-long friends and so deeply personal. As I say, Delhi is my office and Ernakulam my home because my parents were settled in Panampilly Nagar since retirement in 1982. But last year, the media coverage I received for getting the Shri Ratna award in Thiruvananthapuram opened my eyes to realize the goodwill I have in my home-state, especially from youth and women. For the young and idealistic journalists, I was a role-model.
It struck me that I could make good use of this public respect and support to safeguard and empower women, advance the prospects of the youth, improve civic amenities, promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Kerala. People are amazed that I speak fluent Malayalam without any trace of English accent. My friends say, you can leave Kerala, but Kerala will never leave you.

Why politics now?
Like cancer, corruption has devastated politics and has seeped into every sphere, section of society. Our great institutions – the very pillars of democracy – are being wrecked from within because they are mostly headed by political appointees who promote their own political, communal or commercial interests. A few more years of this, India will slide into chaos and violent disruption.
It’s not only me, but large number of ordinary concerned citizens with a deep love for our country who wants to do whatever we can to stem the tide of this rot, sickness and disaster. For sure AAP has made a few mistakes, but Kejriwal had the honesty and humility to apologize even for misdeamenors such as stone-throwing. Compare that to the absence of Modi’s apology for the 2002 communal violence in Gujarat or the Congress’ massacre of Sikhs in 1984!
I have absolutely no doubt that this is the last chance in my lifetime to contribute to redeeming Indian politics. My reputation is spotless and much as I see the hideous dangers of entering the current dirty political arena, I feel compelled to do my bit.
AAP have had a rapid growth in a short span of time, but do you think this can also give way to internal party issues?
It certainly can and it certainly has. Conflict is endemic and it is often human nature to be divisive, especially when people scent success, power and fame. Those who are evil-intentioned cannot be dealt with, but sometimes, anger arises from a sense of hurt that they have not been given due recognition for their work. AAP’s pace and popularity has been unbelievably fast and high that there has simply not been enough time for the leaders at national and local levels to pacify these inevitable resentments.

Recently, Mr. Kejriwal had alleged that the media is lying about Modi’s development story in Gujarat and that the media is sold.  Are you also of the opinion that today’s media is into false news business?
The freedom of Indian media is non-negotiable and inviolable. It cannot be suppressed by any power. Not even Mrs. Indira Gandhi, who misused all the instruments of the State, could threaten or throttle the media during the Emergency. However, sections of the media have surrendered or sold their freedom to lobbies and industrialists, bringing disrepute to the Media.
“Paid News” is a contradiction in terms, but it thrives today. So does fixed opinion polls deviously designed to influence voters. Mr.Kejriwal is highlighting issues that the Chief Election Commission and intrepid journalists of my generation were deeply concerned about. Though the Media talks about self-regulation, nothing has been done internally to eradicate this rot that is undermining honest journalism.

You seem to be upset about the plight of women in Kerala……
Yes, I’m. Women in Kerala were safe, strong and secure in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The fulcrum on which Kerala became a role model state was women’s empowerment. But over the last 20 years, I have seen values being wrecked. The commercialization of values has contributed to the danger, devaluation and degradation of women. With the support of all I want to open a new chapter of safety and real empowerment for women.

Women empowerment in your words…..
When women feel safe, secure and have the freedom to make their own choices. When rivals and critics, (both men and women) cannot resort to intimidation, character assassination to undermine women’s confidence and when they can pursue their well-informed and well-intentioned goals with dignity.”

As a leader, would you favour Kochi’s cosmopolitan development or its ethnicity?
We have to anchor ourselves in the 21st century by preserving our heritage while modernizing. When one is at the cost of the other, there will be divisions, resentment and a sense of injustice. In such circumstances, whatever decision taken is not sustainable. Traditional Indian thought and values have always emphasized moderation and holistic approaches and that must be the framework for all decision-making.

How much has the broadcast journalism changed over the years?
Dramatically! In my generation, journalism was all about field reporting. Now it seems more entertainment-driven with studio chat shows substituting for hardcore journalism.  The result is a bombardment of opinions and a paucity of facts.

Recall your initials days with Sunday Magazine and India Today…..
It was real, grass-root reporting, exhausting but oh so rewarding! In the 1980s, Sunday and India Today were superb examples of free and fearless reporting. I took on the land and liquor mafia, corrupt politicians, venal businessmen, polluting industries, even the Indian establishment. There was confidence, a sense of idealism that we were contributing to rectify the ills that plagued Indian society. Alas, corruption, inequality and injustice have only worsened. Though I may be perceived as one of India’s most successful journalists, I feel I am a failed journalist because the mission, for which I entered this field, remains unfulfilled.

Somewhere at the bottom of your heart do you feel the Government failed to recognize your work as a journalist?
On the contrary! It would have been disastrous if the government recognized and honored me because that could be proof of bias or lobbying. For a journalist, getting recognition from one’s peers and ordinary citizens is the highest reward. Besides, I got the George Polk Award, probably the most prestigious international prize for journalism.

What do you think keeps women in Kerala away from mainstream politics?
The vilification, the sickening groupism, the baseless allegations, the vicious politicking by opponents and these are not just with politicians. The malice is often embedded in different rungs of society.

Your memories about Kerala….
My most precious memories are of my childhood with my cousins in rustic Varapetty, my father’s ancestral home in Kerala and in Mundakayam where my maternal aunt lived in a beautiful tea-estate. OMG! What fun we kids had, plucking fruit in the orchards, bathing in the river, fighting for pillows and teasing each other constantly. Our laughter could be heard for miles. You still can when we have our regular family get-togethers.

There’re many who wants to know more about the ‘woman’ in Anita Pratap…..
I’m a very caring, patient and compassionate person. When circumstances demand, I’m daring. I stand up for the right and can go to any extend for the cause of social justice. For my friends I’m a ‘mother confessor’. I gift my friends as much as I receive. They share their problems with me in full confidence, knowing that it’s going to stay within me.

As a single mother, how challenging was your son’s upbringing with a 24×7 job?
Yes, it was quite tough. My son was growing up and at work that was a time when my job demanded me to attend social gatherings, parties and to travel. Somehow I balanced it with my set of principles. For instance, come what may I always made sure I was with my son when he had his dinner. That time was all ours-to talk, crack jokes and so even today I can say that he is my best buddy. When he went for his further studies abroad, I feared the ‘empty-nest syndrome’ might take charge of me. Fortunately, one phase was ending there with the evolution of a new life with my husband Arne Roy Walter.

Quickies
From where do you draw your inspiration or courage?
From the love, faith and hope of my loved ones and the people who really matter to me.

Are you going in for an image makeover?
No, why should I. I am who I’m.

Why haven’t you officially changed your surname even many years after the separation?
I got established as a journalist with my name as ‘Anita Pratap’ and it’s also a matter of convenience for my son that makes me stick on to my surname.

Favourite pick from Kerala cuisine….
‘Meen puliyittu pattichathu’

A Malayalam movie that caught your attention….
‘Thanmathra’