We were trained to be dignified: Doordarshan newsreader Hemalatha

KOCHI: Hemalatha was among the first batch of newsreaders to be recruited when Doordarshan launched operations in Kerala. The first news bulletin was broadcast on January 2, 1985, by G Kannan. On January 3, it was Hemalatha’s turn, and she anchored the bulletin to make a mark as the first woman Malayalam TV newsreader. She stepped down on December 31, after 39 years of service with a poignant goodbye to the viewers as she wrapped up her final assignment. TNIE catches up with the stalwart

Why did you choose to be a newsreader after graduating in mathematics?

Even as a student, I never wanted a 9-to-5 job. My father always encouraged us to read newspapers and told us to start from the page that had the news of our interest. The habit helped me immensely. It improved my interest in learning, which drives me to this day.