Pratima Puri was India's first ever news presenter, who presented a five minute news bulletin on Doordarshan in the year 1965.Pratima started her media career at the All India Radio (AIR) station in her hometown.When All India Radio had its first telecast on September 15, 1959, Pratima was shifted to New Delhi. She became an anchor when DD started its first news bulletin in 1965. She interviewed prominent figures like Yuri Gagarin (the first man to travel into space), and various actors and politicians. After Salma Sultan was chosen to replace her, Pratima Puri started training aspiring anchors in Doordarshan.Pratima Puri passed away in 2007 but is remembered for paving the way for other women who wanted to follow the same path, and is undoubtedly an inspiration for all journalists.
