'This is a profession I chose for myself & there's no turning back in this time of crisis'

In our special series First Responders, we talk to journalists who are at the frontline, covering the pandemic. First Responders is a way to not only to highlight their experiences of covering the COVID-19 crisis but also thank them for getting readers true stories straight from the ground. News18 India's associate editor Vikrant Yadav is one such reporter who has been tirelessly filing stories on the pandemic. For him, his duty as a journalist always comes first.

 What have you been covering specifically on the field and since when?

 I have been a Journalist for the last 20 years and started my career with the legal beat along with metro. Later on, I shifted to the political beat and covered AAP for four years. I have been covering BJP as a party and as the government for the last six years. 

What has been your most challenging experience so far?

Though there have been several challenging assignments in my career the most challenging one has been reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has been a life-altering experience where one is fighting against an invisible virus that is an inch short of destroying everything as I see. It also made me look at life and priorities differently.  

What moved you the most?

The sheer helplessness in tackling this virus has been the most moving experience. The sight of thousands of poor migrants walking for hours, battling hunger is unforgettable. Looking at them, round the clock, every day is a sight that I will never forget.

Do you/your family worry about your own safety?

Yes. The most worrying thought for me during the COVID-19 pandemic is that I myself could be the carrier of the virus to my family. There is never a scarier thought than this. But the fact remains that this is a profession I chose for myself and there is no turning back in this time of crisis. But I have made certain changes in my life to protect my loved ones. I have shifted my parents to my younger brother's house to make sure that my parents remain safe. 

What kind of support are they receiving from your group on reporting the COVID-19 pandemic?

The group has been very supportive during this COVID-19, right from providing extreme flexibility to the reporters in the form of work from home to regular symptom checkups. The group has made sure that anybody who ventures out of the house to cover stories is provided with protective gears, hand sanitizers and masks. The fact that the HR is just a call away in case of any crisis is extremely reassuring.  

Your message at the end of the day…

My message to everyone would be to stay safe and do a rethink of what should be one's priorities in life. Value what you have and most importantly respect life and be grateful for everything you have.