theculturalconnect.com | Murali Balaji

Murali Balaji, Author

Murali Balaji

Twenty-seven-year-old Murali Balaji is no stranger to the power of written word. As a professional journalist for the last ten years, Murali began his long and successful career in reporting at an early age. Since then, Murali has been awarded a multitude of accolades for achievements in civil journalism. As an innovative author and inspirational educator, Murali has truly made his mark in the literary world. Through his versatile writing, Murali has proved himself as a strong proponent for equality, social justice, and improvement of the global condition. While he is currently consumed with academia teaching at Temple University and getting his PhD at Pennsylvania State, he hopes to eventually run for political office. Take a moment to learn about the intricacies and aspirations of this acclaimed writer by reading the Young and Professional Spotlight on Murali Balaji in this week’s edition of The DesiConnect.

Name

Murali Balaji, 27
Journalism Instructor, Writer and Author

Hometown

Lansdale, Florida

Current residence

State College, Pennsylvania

Education

Pennsylvania State University, PhD Candidate, Mass Communications; Minnesota, BA Journalism (2000)

Work experience

Reporter at the Wilmington News Journal, St. Paul Pioneer Press and other publications; Journalism Instructor at Temple University

Ethnicity

Indian-American

What's your story?

I’m a full-time author and academic now, having spent nearly the last decade as a journalist (I started young!). Being an educator really inspires me, because it gives me the chance to cultivate the next generation of writers

What are your responsibilities?

Besides teaching and learning, I still write occasionally for magazines. However, much of my work involves negotiating book deals, making appearances for the books I’ve already published, and of course, writing new books.

What's your niche?

As a writer, I’m very versatile in what I cover. However, I would say race and political activism are my “favorite” subjects to write about.

What are your responsibilities?

What's your niche?

As a writer, I’m very versatile in what I cover. However, I would say race and political activism are my “favorite” subjects to write about.

What's in store for the future?

I know my parents would love for me to see me married soon, but I would love to travel a lot more and track the Indian diaspora. Professionally, I’d like to get a tenure position and eventually run for political office.

Who would you like to be contacted by?

I’m pretty busy as it is, but I can usually try to make time for anyone interested in social justice causes, or magazines specializing in cultural studies.

Unexpected learnings along the way

I’m usually slow to pick up on things, but here are a few things I’ve learned: 1.) It’s so important to have a positive male role model if you’re a young man of color, and I really thank God every day for blessing me with an incredibly strong father. 2.) Karma is a powerful thing, and I’m learning that how I’ve acted towards women in the past has made me the most overprotective big brother – ever! 3.) Journalism is a lonely business, and I don’t want to end up single at the age of 40 with a six-pack-a-day-habit 4.) Faith is something you have to find on your own. I used to think going to temple was a chore, but now I really feel that I have a growing relationship with God.

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Best way to stay ahead

Know yourself – always.

“Your occupation is what you do, not who you are.”

Guiding principle in life

Your occupation is what you do, not who you are.

Yardstick of success

Imitation is the highest form of flattery, so I’d love for a generation of Murali Balaji's to fight for equality, social justice and the improvement of the global condition.

Goal yet to be achieved

Well, I guess marriage and public office are my two primary goals. I’m sure I’ll think of others, like learning how to breakdance.

Best practical advice

Obligation is only fulfilling when done with passion. If you need to work, do something you love more often than you hate. There is no point in doing something you have no joy for, even if it does bring in decent paychecks.

Supportive words from a family member or friend on your venture

I’ve heard so many words of support and advice I can’t think of any now.

Most memorable business experience

Covering a KKK rally for my newspaper. Boy, that was fun!

Mentor

My father

What motivates you for success?

Knowing that there is still a lot of work to be accomplished, and that personal success is fleeting if I can’t do more.

Like best about what you do

I am good at what I do.

Like least about what you do

There is no such thing as a 9-5, 40-hour work week.

At age 10, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a cop or a football player. I might have succeeded in the latter (at least in college), if I hadn’t blown out my knee.

Biggest pastimes outside of work

I play basketball, football and lift weights with dedication. It’s the only way I can get away from the pen and the pad.

Person most interested in meeting and why?

I’d love to go back in time and meet Paul Robeson because I’ve written a book about him and because he had an internationalist outlook that is needed badly today.

Leader in business most interested in meeting and why?

I’d love to meet Oprah, just to find out how she went from a journalist to a brand name.

Three interesting facts about yourself

There is nothing interesting about me, except for the fact that I’ve managed to drive through life without wrecking anything.

Three characteristics that describe you

I’m smart, ambitious and charming…three great qualities for success, right?

Three greatest passions

I think besides writing and social activism, I’d have to say watching the Minnesota Vikings (football team) and the Philadelphia 76ers (basketball) are my primary causes of joy and physical pain.

Murali Balaji

Credits

Also this week

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