26/07/2025
Today, at the Vintage Hub, we were graced by the presence of none other than Tora Agarwala — an intrepid journalist of rare calibre and the recipient of the distinguished Ramnath Goenka Award (For Excellence in Journalism). Until the year 2023, Ms. Agarwala was associated with The Indian Express, where her work resonated with clarity, courage, and an unwavering commitment to truth. She now pursues journalism in an independent capacity, contributing incisive and well-researched pieces to a constellation of prestigious national and international publications — including the BBC, Reuters, Rest of World, Mint, and Scroll, among others.
Her relentless pursuit of investigative journalism has not gone unnoticed; indeed, her writings have earned commendation from none other than the International Press Institute in Vienna — a testament to the global impact of her uncompromising reportage.
But Tora Agarwala is not merely a journalist of exceptional talent — she is also the scion of Assam’s illustrious Agarwala family, whose cultural and cinematic legacy is etched into the very soul of the region. Her grandfather Hridayananda Agarwala, the younger brother of the legendary Rupkonwar Jyotiprasad Agarwala, was the assistant director of the iconic Assamese talkie ‘Joymoti’ (1935). In addition, Hridayananda played a pivotal role as the producer of films such as ‘Kesa Xon’ and ‘Dhumuha’ (both directed by Phani Sarma), and oversaw the management of the historic Jonaki Cinema Hall — a visionary endeavour of his illustrious elder brother.
It is thus within this confluence of heritage and personal merit that Tora Agarwala has carved a niche for herself in the landscape of journalism in Northeast India. With intellect, integrity, and indefatigable dedication, she continues to illuminate the path for others. In reverent acknowledgement of her contributions to the field, it is our singular honour to welcome her as Vintage Hub’s "Guest of the Month."
