dsja jury co-chair 2026
Siddharth Varadarajan
Founding editor, the wire
Siddharth Varadarajan is a senior journalist, editor, and author, widely regarded for his independent voice, rigorous journalism, and commitment to democratic values. With over three decades of experience in Indian and international journalism, he has played a significant role in shaping public discourse on politics, governance, foreign policy, and civil liberties.
He is the founding editor of The Wire, an independent digital news platform known for its investigative reporting, in-depth analysis, and emphasis on editorial independence. Under his leadership, The Wire has emerged as a prominent voice in Indian journalism, especially for its focus on accountability, constitutional values, and public interest reporting.
Prior to this, Siddharth Varadarajan served as the Editor of The Hindu, where he oversaw coverage of national and international affairs and strengthened the paper’s editorial engagement with critical public issues. He has also worked extensively as a reporter and editor on foreign affairs, having served as The Hindu’s correspondent in Pakistan and China.
An accomplished author and commentator, Siddharth Varadarajan has written and edited several books and essays on politics, media, and international relations. His writing is marked by clarity, depth, and a strong ethical framework, reflecting his long-standing engagement with questions of power, democracy, and the role of the press.
He is a frequent speaker at academic institutions and public forums, where he continues to contribute to conversations on media freedom, journalistic responsibility, and the challenges facing independent journalism today. His career reflects the values of integrity, courage, and truth, making him a respected and influential figure in contemporary Indian journalism.
