Explore about Prabir Purkayastha Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Height, Age, Career and more details.
In the world of journalism and activism, one name that stands out prominently is Prabir Purkayastha. With a remarkable career spanning various fields, from engineering to advocating for scientific endeavors, Prabir has left an indelible mark. This article dives deep into Prabir Purkayastha’s life, exploring his biography, ethnicity, net worth, and illustrious career.
Prabir Purkayastha Wikipedia, Biography, Wife, Net Worth, Ethnicity, Height, Age, Career
| Name | Prabir Purkayastha. |
| Age | 74 Year |
| Birth Date | November 1, 1949 |
| Birth Place | Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Material status | Married |
| Wife Name | Githa Hariharan |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Father Name | Not Known |
| Mother Name | Not Known |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black-White |
| Height | 5.8Feet |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Net Worth | INR 10cr |
Who is Prabir Purkayastha?
Prabir Purkayastha is a celebrated journalist, activist, and engineer hailing from India. He is best known as the creator and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, a progressive online news platform that covers a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, culture, and sports. Additionally, Prabir holds the prestigious position of being the president of the Free Software Movement of India and is a founding member of the Delhi Science Forum. His tireless efforts and contributions have made him a prominent figure in both journalism and the scientific community.
Prabir Purkayastha’s Early Life and Education
Prabir Purkayastha was born on November 1, 1949, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He comes from a Bengali Brahmin family, and his father worked as a civil engineer while his mother dedicated her time to managing the household. Prabir’s younger brother, Rahul Purkayastha, pursued a career as a software developer.
Prabir’s educational journey started at St. Xavier’s Collegiate School in Kolkata. He then embarked on a path of academic excellence, enrolling at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Subsequently, he moved to Allahabad to pursue a master’s degree in computer science at the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT). His commitment to knowledge didn’t stop there, as he also acquired a management certificate from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
A Glance at Prabir Purkayastha’s Career
Prabir Purkayastha initiated his professional journey as a software engineer at the Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) in Bangalore. During his tenure of nearly a decade at ITI, he played a pivotal role in designing software for digital switching systems. His dedication extended beyond his job, as he actively participated in trade union activities and even held the position of general secretary of the ITI Employees Union. In 1984, Prabir made a significant career move by joining the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a government-owned telecommunications research and development company. Over the next 15 years, he excelled as a senior scientist and project leader, contributing significantly to the development of India’s first indigenous digital switching system, the Rural Automatic Exchange (RAX).
But Prabir’s contributions extended far beyond his professional achievements. He was deeply involved in various social movements and campaigns related to science, technology, the environment, and human rights. As a founding member of the Delhi Science Forum (DSF), he played a crucial role in promoting scientific temperance, logic, and social justice. His activism also extended to the People’s Science Movement (PSM), where he contributed to increasing scientific literacy among the general public. In 1998, he co-founded the Free Software Movement of India (FSMI), a coalition of organizations advocating for the usage and development of free and open-source software. Prabir’s passion for software freedom, digital sovereignty, and data privacy is evident in his numerous published books and essays on these subjects.
In 2009, Prabir Purkayastha founded NewsClick, an online news platform that provides critical perspectives on politics, economics, entertainment, and sports. As the editor-in-chief and director of NewsClick, he continues to lead the charge in offering alternative viewpoints through various NewsClick broadcasts and podcasts, including “Talking Science,” “Mapping Faultlines,” “Indian Economy,” and “Global Roundup.”
Prabir Purkayastha: Facing Controversies
In recent times, Prabir Purkayastha has found himself in the midst of a controversy. On October 3, 2023, he was detained by the Delhi Police in connection with allegations against his news website, NewsClick, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Delhi Police claimed that NewsClick received Rs. 38 crore from a network with ties to China to promote pro-China content on the website. Authorities further alleged that Rs. 29 crore was obtained as fees for export services, while Rs. 9 crore was acquired as FDI through inflated share prices. Prior to Prabir’s arrest, authorities conducted searches at the residences and offices of NewsClick journalists, writers, academics, and contributors, seizing phones and laptops from all individuals involved.
Prabir Purkayastha’s Personal Life
Beyond his professional endeavors, Prabir Purkayastha enjoys a fulfilling personal life. He is married to the renowned Indian author and essayist, Githa Hariharan. The couple has two sons, Rishi Purkayastha and Arjun Purkayastha. Arjun has pursued a career in music, while Rishi has ventured into the world of filmmaking.
Prabir Purkayastha’s Net Worth
Prabir Purkayastha’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 10 crores ($1.3 million). His primary source of income stems from his role as NewsClick’s editor-in-chief and director. Additionally, he generates revenue from his books, essays, seminars, and consulting services.
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FAQs
- Who is Prabir Purkayastha?Prabir Purkayastha is a prominent journalist, activist, and engineer from India. He is well-known for his role as the creator and editor-in-chief of NewsClick, an online news platform that covers various topics, including politics, economics, culture, and sports.
- What is Prabir Purkayastha’s background and education?Prabir Purkayastha was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, on November 1, 1949. He pursued electrical engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur for his bachelor’s degree and later earned a master’s degree in computer science from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT). He also holds a management certificate from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.
- What are Prabir Purkayastha’s significant career achievements?Prabir Purkayastha began his career as a software engineer at the Indian Telephone Industries (ITI) in Bangalore. He played a crucial role in designing software for digital switching systems. Later, he joined the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), where he contributed to the development of India’s first indigenous digital switching system, the Rural Automatic Exchange (RAX). He is also known for his involvement in social movements and campaigns related to science, technology, the environment, and human rights.
- What controversies has Prabir Purkayastha been involved in?Prabir Purkayastha faced controversy in 2023 when he was detained by the Delhi Police under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The police alleged that NewsClick, the platform he leads, received funds from a network with ties to China for promoting pro-China content on the website.
- Who is Prabir Purkayastha’s wife, and does he have children?Prabir Purkayastha is married to the acclaimed Indian author and essayist Githa Hariharan. The couple has two sons, Rishi Purkayastha and Arjun Purkayastha. Arjun is known for his career in music, while Rishi has ventured into filmmaking.
- What is Prabir Purkayastha’s net worth?Prabir Purkayastha’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs. 10 crores ($1.3 million). His primary source of income is his role as NewsClick’s editor-in-chief and director. Additionally, he earns money through his books, essays, seminars, and consulting services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prabir Purkayastha’s life and career are a testament to his unwavering commitment to journalism, activism, and scientific pursuits. Despite recent controversies, his contributions to Indian journalism and the promotion of scientific thinking continue to influence and inspire many.