Gourav Kant Jaiswal - Owner, The Jhakaas
“My love for penning things down started quite early. Before I could even read, I begged my mom to teach me. Once I could, I loved writing stories. I have always been a writer and a storyteller. I hail from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh. Journalism is about talking to people, observing trends, organizing your research, and communicating it engagingly. I started with almost nothing in my hand, it gradually became a roller coaster ride for me, a bit tough but exciting. I did my graduation from Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun. My college was my first step closer to my dream. I used to cover college events, write articles, and lead the show. I am glad my teachers saw that spark in me and helped me out in improving myself. I always needed the support and strength to turn my dreams into reality, and the only possible way was to give my 100% for my dream to come true. Strength comes from struggle. When you learn to see your struggles as opportunities to become stronger, better, wiser, then you’re thinking shifts from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I must do this’. On 18th July 2018, I started my journey and made a promise to myself that I’ll never look back. With the help of my teachers, I started my work. I have always loved to report news and events, and bring them into the light. So I thought of launching a News Portal.
But it cost me 8000/-. I asked my parents to lend me some money but it was a bit less. My friends supported me and gave me the rest of the amount. By god’s grace, I got the portal, and named it ‘JHAKAAS‘. It was difficult for me to record or shoot in my hostel room as the area was confined, so I decided to shift to a flat nearby. There, I managed to set up a small studio from my pocket-money to shoot and record interviews. Initially, I started covering local news of Dehradun and then gradually shifted to state and political news. It was difficult for me to manage my portal along with my college and personal life. I also had a depressive thought of giving up, as the work was so hectic sometimes that it tended to get on my nerves. But I thought of those gems who always had my back, who gave me strength, and who believed in me.
Problems are not stopping signs; they are guidelines. I did not stop, I faced them. I bought all the necessary pieces of equipment. In the initial months of launching Jhakkas, there was no income. But gradually I got to know that my efforts were worth it. One of my faculty introduced me to her friend Vikas, who used to manage a PR agency in Dehradun. He made me cover different events and shows in Dehradun. Because of him, I was able to interview one of the most celebrated chefs, Vikas Khanna, and actress, Divya Dutta. People started appreciating me for my work. I never took a day off. If you love your work, you’ll be out there every day trying to do the best you possibly can, and pretty soon everybody around will acknowledge it.
After having my college done, I continued with my work. Currently, I own a small office and have teamed up with my friends, who’ve been there through thick and thin. Great teamwork is the only way we create the breakthroughs that define our careers. What I want to say is, one must have patience, consistency, and an unshakable passion. They are the keys to unlock success.”
Instagram – @gourav_kant_jaiswal
Youtube – The Jhakaas
*The views expressed in the above article are of the writer and not Winged Club.