Ravish Kumar completes 10 million subscribers on YouTube 18 months after launching channel
New Delhi: Renowned journalist and former NDTV Executive Editor Ravish Kumar achieved a milestone on Monday as his YouTube channel crossed 10 million subscribers.
This achievement comes approximately 17 months after Kumar began sharing his insights and commentary on various issues through his YouTube platform following his departure from NDTV, which he announced via a video post on December 1, 2022, He had launched his channel in October 2022, which largely remained inactive till December 2022.
Known for his insightful analysis and independent viewpoint, Kumar's YouTube channel has garnered widespread popularity, consistently attracting millions of views for his videos. Having spent 27 years at NDTV, where he served as Senior Executive Editor and hosted several flagship programs, Kumar's transition to digital media reflects the evolving landscape of journalism.
His decision to resign from NDTV and embrace digital media was influenced by challenges, including his mother's illness in Bihar, as well as the broader context of threats and pressures faced by journalists in India. Kumar had received death threats on his personal phone from supporters of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, amidst NDTV's encounter with a potential takeover by the Adani Group, known for its close ties with the government.
In his resignation address, delivered on his YouTube channel, Kumar expressed gratitude to his audience for their unwavering support over the years. He also voiced concerns about authoritarian forces dividing the nation and lamented the state of journalism in India, characterizing it as a "dark age of journalism."
Kumar's departure from mainstream media to pursue an independent digital presence mirrored a growing trend among Indian journalists. Many have opted to utilize platforms like YouTube and social media to navigate the challenges faced by traditional media organizations in the current political climate.
Through his YouTube channel, Ravish Kumar continues to engage with his audience, offering his perspective on pressing issues and contributing to the discourse on journalism in India.
https://www.youtube.com/@ravishkumar.official
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Under fire over links with rape-accused godman, Maharashtra women's panel chief Chakankar quits
Mumbai (PTI): Facing flak from opposition parties over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat, Maharashtra State Commission for Women chairperson Rupali Chakankar on Friday tendered her resignation.
Chakankar, who is also the NCP women's wing chief, submitted the resignation letter to deputy Chief Minister and party president Sunetra Pawar.
According to sources, she met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier in the evening, and he asked her to resign.
In the letter addressed to Fadnavis, Chakankar stated that she was stepping down from the post with immediate effect.
She had been appointed to the post on October 15, 2024.
"Due to personal reasons, I am submitting my resignation from the post," the letter read, while also thanking the state leadership and colleagues for their cooperation.
Earlier, opposition leaders sought to corner the BJP-led government by highlighting Chankankar's links with the accused.
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare claimed that under the influence of Kharat, who claims to be an astrologer, Chakankar 'cut' her 'anamika' or ring finger as part of some occult ritual. Andhare also showed photos where Chakankar is purportedly seen with a bandage on her ring finger.
Activist Anjali Damania too demanded immediate ouster of Chakankar. Kharat, who claims to be a retired Merchant Navy officer and is known as "captain", was involved in sexual exploitation of women under the guise of spiritual practices and also in financial frauds and land grabbing, she alleged.
The demand for Chakankar’s resignation intensified after it emerged that she had performed rituals alongwith Kharat, who heads Shree Ishaneshwar Mahadev Temple Trust of which she is a member.
Kharat, who had several politcal leaders visit him over the years, was arrested in Nashik on Wednesday for allegedly repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman for three years.
Damania alleged that Kharat used to conduct rituals to influence devotees and exploit women.
Chakankar, in a post on X two days ago, had denied having any knowledge about Kharat's personal life.
Rajya Sabha member Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati demanded that Chakankar step down, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut wanted to know who was protecting her.
Sources said chief minister Fadnavis had taken cognisance of the rape case involving Kharat, and directed strict action against him two weeks ago.
Kharat was arrested on the basis of a complaint filed by a 35-year-old woman. He called her to his office claiming that his predictions pointed to “threats” to her husband’s life, gave her sedative-laced drinks, and raped her on multiple occasions between November 2022 and December 2025, the complaint said.
State Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe said a woman police official of Additional Director General rank should head the SIT probe in the Kharat case.
