Kiran Desai Highlights Media Challenges at Shillong Literary Festival

At the Shillong Literary Festival, Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai raised critical concerns about the structured nature of international media and its impact on press freedom in India. She emphasized the influence of nationalistic perspectives on journalism and the courage of journalists who strive for unbiased reporting. Desai also reflected on her personal experiences with solitude, highlighting its role in her creative process and personal growth. Her return to India signifies a deep connection to her heritage, as she seeks to explore her grandparents' legacy. This discussion sheds light on the current media landscape and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 14, 2026, 10:37 IST

Concerns Over Media Structure

Author Kiran Desai at Shillong Literary Festival. (Photo: Meta/Shillong Literary Festival)

SHILLONG, Nov 14: Kiran Desai, the Booker Prize laureate, expressed her concerns regarding the current state of international media during a session at the Shillong Literary Festival on Friday. She remarked that news reporting has become overly structured and agenda-driven.

In her discussion about her latest work, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny, Desai noted that this trend is also evident in India, where the press freedom index has significantly declined. Despite these challenges, she acknowledged the courage of some journalists who continue to report without bias or fear.

Desai pointed out that the media landscape in India is increasingly influenced by nationalistic sentiments, which can lead to authoritarian tendencies. She emphasized that such an environment fosters fear, making it difficult for journalists to report objectively. This issue extends to the publishing industry as well.

Despite these challenges, Desai remains optimistic about India, expressing her pride in the country. Her connection to her roots has drawn her back from New York, where she resides, to explore her grandparents' legacy and her cultural heritage.

Reflecting on her personal journey, Desai, who gained acclaim for her novel The Inheritance of Loss, highlighted the importance of solitude in her writing process. She believes that moments of solitude have empowered her, allowing her to develop new skills and gain a sense of privacy, dignity, and transformative freedom.