Articles by M. Somasekhar
Completed Master’s in Communication and Journalism (M.C.J.) from Osmania University. Became a Journalist in 1983, with a reporter’s job in the Press Trust of India. As a Journalist with PTI covered elections, Coming to Power of NT Rama Rao and Telugu Desam, Science Congress meetings, international conferences, toured the State extensively. PTI also sent me to France to cover the Centennary of the Eiffel Tower and bi-centenniary of the French Revolution in 1988-89. Was the Secretary, Press Club of Hyderabad during 1989-92, during which time, all India cricket and indoor games tournaments for media were started. Meets with well-known people including R.K.Laxman, Vikram Seth, O.P. Nair, Kapil Dev and a cartoon exhibition on Political cartoons was organised. In 1993, moved to New Delhi to join The Hindu Group, with the Business Line. During an 8-year stint had a chance to cover the political turmoil at the Centre. Covered Parliament proceedings, travelled extensively in North India covering major political developments. Covered the Pokhran Nuclear blasts in 1998. In Delhi served as Secretary, Indian Science Writers Association during 1997-99. My journalistic career has taken me to the US, Australia, China, Federal Republic of Germany, Canada, Mauritius, France and Thailand on reporting assignments. In 2001, The Hindu brought me back to Hyderabad to head Business Line as The Chief of Bureau. As the longest serving in the Post, have led a team that covered Satyam Scam, Separate Telangana agitation, Elections, the IT growth and emergence of Cyberabad. My writings have been published in two Coffee Table books on Indian Science brought out from London. Moderated many sessions on professional topics, have been cited in communication text books etc. Honoured by AP & Telangana Governor ESL Narasimhan in 2016 for contributions to Journalism and Press Club of Hyderabad. Have also done programmes on Radio, TV and participated in panel discussions. Recently moderated an interaction of editors with Cong(I) President, Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad. Moderated programmes on Budget, Investor Meet, Careers etc for Business Line.
Controversial uranium mining project shelved in Telangana
Otter sighting in Andhra bird sanctuary raises excitement but also questions
Decoding the mystery illness that struck Eluru
Hyderabad floods highlight the need for a disaster mitigation and climate resilience plan
New research improves understanding on dengue, but vaccine search continues
Special series
Wetland Champions
- [Commentary] India establishes the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia
- [Commentary] Wetland champions: Promise from the grassroots
- The story of Jakkur lake sets an example for inclusive rejuvenation projects
- Welcome to Tsomgo lake: Please don’t litter
Environment And Health
- Marine plastic pollution is not just a waste problem; reducing production is needed too
- Stitching sustainability amidst climate change challenges
- Gujarat bans exotic Conocarpus tree amid health and environment hazard
- Malaria-carrying mosquitoes shift homes from forests to rice fields
India's Iconic Landscapes
- Majuli’s shrinking wetlands and their fight for survival
- Saving India’s wild ‘unicorns’
- Indrella ampulla’s genetic tapestry unveils colour morphs isolated across the Palghat Gap
- [Commentary] Up close and personal with the fragility of the Himalayas
Beyond Protected Areas
- Climate litigation has entered the room. But could great Indian bustards be inched out?
- The dietary habits of endangered vultures
- Waterbirds adapt to nest and roost in the urban oases of Udaipur
- Understanding the elevational movements of Himalayan birds to improve conservation efforts
Conserving Agro-biodiversity
- Pricey guests: Urban invasive species cost the world billions every year
- [Commentary] GROW with agroforestry, a step towards sustainable land management
- Millet tradition loses flavour among Madhya Pradesh’s tribals
- A village nurtures traditional food systems in response to climate change
Just Transitions
- How unplanned coal mine closures in India are affecting dependent communities, especially women
- Green Credit Scheme’s ‘methodology’ doesn’t inspire confidence among experts
- Conflict over critical mineral prospecting in Odisha signals need for better community involvement
- Fuel leak in Manipur raises concerns over water contamination