Abhijit Iyer-mitra Wikipedia: Exploring The Life And Work Of A Controversial Indian Author
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is one of the most prominent journalists and authors in India today. He is known for his sharp wit, incisive analysis, and fearless commentary on social, political, and economic issues. In this article, we will take a closer look at his life and career, exploring his early influences, his work as a journalist and author, his personal life, and the awards and recognition he has received.
Early Life and Education
A Curious and Rebellious Child
Born in Kolkata, India, in 1986, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra was a curious and rebellious child from a young age. He was always asking questions, challenging authority, and pushing the boundaries. He was also a voracious reader, and he spent countless hours lost in books.
Education and Early Influences
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra attended the prestigious St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata, where he studied economics. During his time in college, he was influenced by a number of thinkers, including Ayn Rand, Friedrich Hayek, and Milton Friedman. These thinkers shaped his libertarian political views, which he has held ever since.
| Name | Influence |
|---|---|
| Ayn Rand | Libertarianism |
| Friedrich Hayek | Free market economics |
| Milton Friedman | Monetarism |
Career as a Journalist and Author
Early Career as a Journalist
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra began his career as a journalist in 2006, working for The Pioneer newspaper. He quickly gained a reputation for his sharp wit and incisive analysis, and he soon became one of the most popular columnists in India. In his columns, he tackled a wide range of issues, from politics to economics to social issues.
Success as an Author
In 2012, Abhijit Iyer-Mitra published his first book, “The Oxford Murders.” The book was a critical and commercial success, and it quickly became a bestseller in India. He has since published several other books, including “The Great Brahmin Travesty” and “India in the Age of Modi.” His books have been praised for their wit, intelligence, and originality.
| Book | Year | Genre |
|---|---|---|
| The Oxford Murders | 2012 | Mystery |
| The Great Brahmin Travesty | 2014 | Non-fiction |
| India in the Age of Modi | 2016 | Non-fiction |
Personal Life
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is married to Anuja Agrawal, a lawyer. The couple have two children. Iyer-Mitra is a private person who values his family life. He enjoys spending time with his wife and children, and he is also an avid reader and traveler.
| Name | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Anuja Agrawal | Lawyer |
Awards and Recognition
National Awards
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra has received numerous awards and recognition for his work as a journalist and author. In 2014, he was awarded the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for his outstanding contribution to Indian journalism. He has also received the Red Ink Award for Commentary Writing and the Bastiat Prize for Journalism.
| Award | Year | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award | 2014 | The Indian Express Group |
| Red Ink Award for Commentary Writing | 2016 | Rediff.com |
| Bastiat Prize for Journalism | 2018 | The Atlas Network |
International Recognition
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra’s work has also been recognized internationally. In 2017, he was named one of the “Top 100 Global Thinkers” by the Foreign Policy magazine. He has also been a speaker at the World Economic Forum and the Aspen Ideas Festival.
- Named one of the “Top 100 Global Thinkers” by Foreign Policy magazine (2017)
- Speaker at the World Economic Forum
- Speaker at the Aspen Ideas Festival
Final Thought
Abhijit Iyer-Mitra is a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that he is one of the most important public intellectuals in India today. His work has sparked important debates about some of the most pressing issues facing the country, and he has helped to shape the political and social landscape of India.
